Arthroscopic repair of medium to large full-thickness rotator cuff tears: Outcome at 2- to 6-year follow-up

Medium-term follow-up of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was evaluated in 48 consecutive arthroscopic repairs of medium to large rotator cuff tears. Mean rotator cuff tear size was 2.4 cm (range, 2-4 cm), mean age at surgery was 57.6 years (range, 38-80 years), and mean follow-up was 39 months (range, 24-66 months). Mean University of California at Los Angeles End-Result Scores were 17.2 preoperatively and 33.7 postoperatively (P <.001). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons mean scores were 42.2 and 94.9, respectively. There were no complications requiring reoperation. There were 35 excellent, 11 good, 2 fair, and no poor results; however, 1 patient had clinical evidence of a failed repair. Forty-four of 45 patients (47/48 repairs) were satisfied with their results. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2002;11:19-24.)