AANA Lab Course 1002 -3rd Annual Fellows/Chief Residents-Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Repair_ Single Row-Gabriella Ode, M.D.

Pdf Summary

This presentation by Dr. Gabriella Ode from Prisma Health – Upstate discusses single row (SR) rotator cuff repair techniques, comparing them to double row (DR) repairs. Basic science indicates DR constructs have stronger initial biomechanical strength, yet clinical outcomes largely show no significant difference between SR and DR in most functional scores (Constant, ASES, UCLA). DR is associated with improved footprint and tendon healing. In smaller tears (~3 cm), clinical outcomes and healing are similar between SR and DR; however, slight improvements in specific scores (ASES/UCLA) and tendon healing favor DR in larger tears.<br /><br />Three case examples demonstrate different SR repair techniques tailored to patient needs and tear characteristics:<br /><br />1. A 61-year-old female with chronic cuff pathology, treated using a knotless mattress technique.<br />2. A 53-year-old female with a high-grade supraspinatus tear failed by prior conservative treatment, repaired using a knotless luggage tag method.<br />3. A 71-year-old male golfer with a large supraspinatus/infraspinatus tear and biceps involvement, addressed using margin convergence to reduce tension and protect the repair, enabling earlier functional recovery.<br /><br />Surgical pearls emphasize understanding tear configuration, size, and tissue quality to select appropriate anchor number, suture passing, and construct type—knotted versus knotless, simple versus mattress or luggage tag. Achieving a sturdy, low-tension repair is paramount to promoting healing.<br /><br />In summary, while DR repairs may offer biomechanical and healing advantages, SR repairs remain effective in improving function with high patient satisfaction. Repair technique should be individualized based on tear characteristics and patient goals, balancing mechanical robustness with minimal tissue tension.

Keywords

rotator cuff repair

single row repair

double row repair

biomechanical strength

clinical outcomes

tendon healing

knotless mattress technique

knotless luggage tag method

margin convergence

tear configuration