AANA24 Knee All-Access Pass-GENERAL SCIENTIFIC SESSION: Rotator Cuff 2 and AANA Legacy Session (Main Stage):

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session featured an in-depth discussion on managing massive rotator cuff tears, presenting diverse surgical options and strategies tailored to patient-specific factors. Experts debated treatments including rotator cuff repair augmented with dermal allograft, superior capsule reconstruction (SCR), lower trapezius tendon transfer, balloon spacers, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Dr. Rob Hartzler advocated for repair with augmentation or SCR if irreparable, highlighting midterm successes and patient selection criteria. Conversely, Dr. Eric Wagner supported lower trapezius transfer, citing functional restoration benefits and a favorable recovery curve. Other panelists examined the merits and limitations of balloon spacers as rehab accelerators, permanent spacers, and RTSA as a last resort due to its invasiveness but unmatched predictability and durability.<br /><br />Consensus emphasized the nuanced decision-making process based not only on imaging but thorough patient evaluation, including functional status, tissue quality, and goals. Recurrent themes included the limited long-term data for many biologic and novel interventions compared to RTSA’s established outcomes. Augmentation techniques with biceps tendon or dermal allografts were debated for their cost-effectiveness and healing potential.<br /><br />The session underscored the complexity of treating massive cuff tears, advocating tailored approaches that balance repair feasibility, patient expectations, and longevity of results. Beyond clinical topics, the meeting spotlighted the importance of mentorship, diversity, and legacy in orthopedics. Personal narratives from former athletes highlighted the transformative impact of physician mentorship on career paths. Dr. J.T. Tokish, the ANNA president, delivered a keynote focused on teamwork, resilience, and the spirit of collaboration within orthopedics, emphasizing the organization's commitment to education, research, and community-building.<br /><br />Overall, the program integrated advanced surgical debates with reflections on professional legacy, diversity, and the human side of orthopedic care.

Asset Caption

Introduction by Moderators: Paul A. Sethi, M.D., Albert Lin, M.D.

Keywords

massive rotator cuff tears

rotator cuff repair

dermal allograft augmentation

superior capsule reconstruction (SCR)

lower trapezius tendon transfer

balloon spacers

reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)

patient-specific treatment strategies

functional restoration

rehabilitation accelerators

tissue quality evaluation

cost-effectiveness of augmentation

long-term outcomes

orthopedic mentorship

diversity and legacy in orthopedics