Editorial Commentary: Augmentation With Allograft Patch Results in Similar Outcomes to Anterior Cable Reconstruction With Autograft Biceps Tendon for Chronic, Retracted, Anterior, L-Shaped Supraspinatus Tears.

Abstract

Chronic retracted rotator cuff tears are difficult entities to treat. L-shaped tears are a particular subset of such rotator cuff tears that pose challenges for surgeons attempting to reduce the supraspinatus tendon back to the greater tuberosity. Lack of full coverage of the tuberosity, need for medialization of the tendon, undue tension, and incomplete reconstitution of the rotator cable are some of the reasons L-shaped retracted tears of the supraspinatus can be challenging. Anterior cable reconstruction (ACR) is a technique that has gained increasing recent popularity, as is the use of patch augmentation. The long head of the biceps tendon is often readily available for use in ACR, but when it isn't, patch augmentation is an option for partially repairable rotator cuff tears. These produce similar postoperative improvements in range of motion as well as Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, but comparison to partial repair is still unknown.