Massive rotator cuff tears repaired on top of humeral head by McLaughlin’s procedure

The clinical and radiographic outcomes of McLaughlin’s procedure for massive rotator cuff tears were investigated in 25 shoulders, in which the cuff tears were so severe that the tendons were sutured on the top of the humeral head. The mean age at surgery was 62.2 years (range, 39-74 years). The mean follow-up period was 50 months (range, 24-80 months). The University of California, Los Angeles score significantly improved from 10.9 to 31.8 points postoperatively; the postoperative result was classified as excellent in 11 shoulders, good in 11, and poor in 3. Osteoarthritis progressed postoperatively in 7 shoulders (28%), and upper migration of the humeral head progressed in 6 (24%), although both progression rates were no higher than those for other common procedures. When torn tendons reach over the top of the humeral head with the arm at the side in patients with massive tears that are not reparable to the greater tuberosity, satisfactory clinical outcomes can be expected.