AANA19 Shoulder Access Pass-Healing Rates of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears between Allograft Reconstruction vs. Maximal Repair_ A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial-Dr. Ivan H. Wong, M.D.

Healing Rates of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears between Allograft Reconstruction vs. Maximal Repair_ A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial-Dr. Ivan H. Wong, M.D.

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Video Summary

This randomized controlled trial compared rotator cuff repair versus acellular human dermal allograft reconstruction for large, massive tears. At one year, MRI showed a significantly lower re-tear rate in the reconstruction group (13%) compared to maximal repair (73%). Reconstruction maintained acromiohumeral distance and reduced progression to severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis, which occurred in 20% of repair patients making future reconstruction unlikely. Both groups improved functionally, but reconstruction showed better structural outcomes. This Level 1 double-blinded study suggests bridging reconstruction may offer superior healing and joint preservation over traditional repair in massive rotator cuff tears. Longer-term results are pending.

Keywords

rotator cuff repair

acellular human dermal allograft reconstruction

massive rotator cuff tears

re-tear rate

glenohumeral osteoarthritis