Authors:
Foster M, Hanson JA, Millett PJ
Abstract:
Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears in young, active patients pose a challenging treatment dilemma. Since the relatively recent development of the superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) procedure, the technique has been increasingly used to stave off reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in this demographic. As a result of continued output of supportive literature, both biomechanically and clinically, SCR has been adopted by surgeons despite some technical aspects of the procedure not being fully elucidated. One notable topic of study is the ideal glenohumeral position in which to determine graft length and therefore graft tension. Tensioning inevitably affects glenohumeral joint kinematics, including superior humeral head translation, subacromial contact pressure, and graft healing potential. Although it is currently known that some degree of glenohumeral abduction is necessary for appropriate graft tensioning, and there are some biomechanical studies from our group and other groups that have looked at this, there is not a clinically supported position in which to measure graft length and therefore set graft tension. Well-designed biomechanical studies will serve as the foundation for what is performed clinically. On the basis of the best available evidence, tensioning the graft between 30° and 40° of glenohumeral abduction is recommended and has yielded encouraging clinical outcomes for SCR in our patients.
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