Reconstruction of irreparable rotator cuff tears with an acellular dermal matrix in elderly patients without joint arthritis.

Abstract

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears in elderly patients without arthritis. However, this treatment incurs significant costs and is a major surgical undertaking. This study explores an alternative that involves the reconstruction of irreparable rotator cuff tears using an acellular dermal matrix in elderly patients without established joint arthritis. We prospectively evaluated the reconstruction of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears in 21 patients aged 68 years and over without radiographic glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis in whom conservative management had failed. A human dermal acellular matrix graft was used as a bridging graft for reconstruction. Pain scores, Oxford Shoulder Scores and ranges of movement were all assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 5.8 years (range 2.6 to 8.9 years). Statistically significant (<i>p</i> < 0.05) improvements were observed in Oxford Shoulder Scores (mean preoperative score, 21; mean postoperative score, 46), pain scores (mean preoperative score, 6; mean postoperative score, 0) and ranges of movement. Patients also reported a high satisfaction rate with the procedure. Human tissue matrix allografts could serve as a suitable option for the treatment of elderly patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears without arthritis.