Results of all arthroscopic vs arthroscopic assisted mini open rotator cuff tear repair and comparison of these two techniques

Purpose: In our study; In the treatment of rotator cuff tears, we aimed to evaluate the results of repair of arthroscopic and arthroscopic assisted mini open technique, which are the two most commonly used methods in the world and our country, in terms of patient health and country economics. Material and methods: Forty-two patients who were admitted to our outpatient clinic between 2008 and 2010 with shoulder complaints and who were found to have rotator cuffs ruptured at various degrees after the examinations were included in the study. Patients were routinely evaluated by preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, supraspinatus outlet x-rays and Constant shoulder scoring system. Results: The Constant Scores averaged 57.35 before surgery and 71.5 after surgery were found in 20 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment. In this group, the mean duration of operation was 102.6 minutes and the duration of discharge from hospital was 1.27 days. The preoperative mean Constant score was 54.86 and the postoperative Constant Score was 77.181 for 22 patients operated with arthroscopic mini open technique. The average duration of operation was 82.68 minutes while the discharge time from hospital was 1.94 days. Conclusions: We found the clinical and functional results of repair with mini open technique satisfactory. There was no significant difference in terms of deltoid muscle dysfunction when compared with arthroscopic technique. The development of arthroscopic technique facilitating equipment, the progress of surgeons' training curriculum, and the availability of cheaper financials over time will further increase the weight of the arthroscopic surgical treatment in the treatment of rotator cuff tear in the future.