Results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in patients with comorbid disability of other extremities

Abstract

Objectives: We hypothesized that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair improves functional and clinical outcomes in the patients with comorbid disability in the extremities. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study, data were collected for eleven patients (six males and five females) from a tertiary care hospital from 2010 to 2018. All the patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair after confirmed clinical and radiological diagnosis. All the patients were operated on by a single surgeon. UCLS scores and ultrasound imaging were used for pre-operative and post-operative clinical and radiological evaluation, respectively. The mean follow-up was of 3 years. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software and statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. Results: Out of 11 patients, seven patients had massive cuff tears, two patients had medium cuff tears, and two patients had small cuff tears. Out of 11 patients, three patients were contralateral side amputees, four patients were wheelchair-bound due to post-poliomyelitis muscle weakness, one patient had opposite side hand amputation, and three patients had same side hemiplegia secondary to cerebrovascular stroke. The dominant side was involved in eight patients and the non-dominant side was involved in three patients. Functional range of motion, the visual analog scale for pain, and satisfaction and UCLS scores improved significantly after arthroscopic cuff repairs. Ultrasound evaluation after a mean of 14 ± 3 months revealed complete healing in 88% of cases and partial healing in 12% of cases. Conclusion: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair improves functional and clinical outcomes in patients with comorbid disability in the extremities. Careful and meticulous clinical acumen, surgical planning, technique, and post-operative rehabilitation program are important for excellent outcomes in arthroscopic cuff repairs, especially in these functionally high-demanding patients.