The clinical, anatomical repair integrity of the rotator cuff following open surgery in a South African sample

Abstract

The study investigated the blood supply of the rotator cuff complex and related pathology in the cadaver sample. Rotator cuff open surgery is still utilised in third world countries due to its ease and cost-effective nature, therefore, the range of motion of the rotator cuff complex was documented at various post-operative stages and comparisons made to the arthroscopic repair. The study documented results that were comparable to the arthroscopic repair with no retears documented. Type II acromia were documented in 84% of the rotator cuff tears, making this study one of the few with such a high prevalence. The study tested a hypothesis relating to the reattachment of the torn tendon in older patients. Fibroblasts were noted at the attachment site, making this study the first to theorise and document such findings.