Study Comparing Patient Function and Satisfaction With Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression Before and After Repair of Complete Rotator Cuff Tears

Overview

The investigators aim to establish whether completing a subacromial decompression before or after repair of a complete rotator cuff tear has any clinical significance. Both the arthroscopic decompression and rotator cuff repair will be completed during the same surgical date. The investigators null hypothesis contends that full-thickness rotator cuff tear repair performed before versus after subacromial decompression will not influence patient's post-operative pain or functionality.

All patients with a diagnosed full thickness rotator cuff tear and symptomatic subacromial decompression will be consulted about arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair. The possible risks and benefits will be discussed with the patient in detail by the operating surgeon. If a patient agrees to undergo surgical intervention (i.e. arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair in the same surgical setting), they will be approached and informed regarding involvement in the study. This is a single blind study so participants will not know into which arm they have been randomized. Once consented, the subject will be randomized into one of two treatment arms. Those in Arm A will have subacromial decompression before repair of a complete rotator cuff and those in Arm B will have subacromial decompression after repair of a complete rotator cuff. Prior to surgical intervention all patients will complete two separate questionnaires in the waiting room. The results of the questionnaires will be later used to compare pre-operative and post-operative changes following shoulder surgery. On the date of surgery, the operative surgeon will ensure a full-thickness rotator cuff tear is present with an associated acromial spur. If both are present, the operative surgeon will perform the surgical intervention in the previously assigned order according to the patient's treatment arm. All acromial spurs will be burred to a level flush with the remaining non-pathologic acromion. The full-thickness rotator cuff will be repaired utilizing sutures and suture anchors. The specific pattern of repair will be determined intra-operatively. This is standard procedure for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression. There is no known risks within the orthopedic literature with performing subacromial decompression before versus after rotator cuff repair. As such, this study aims to identify any significance of the order of surgery if it exists. Post-operatively all patients will be placed within a Berg SlingShot®. All patients will undergo a period of immobilization within the sling. Patients will be evaluated at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-operatively. The shoulder range of motion and relative strength, compared to the contralateral limb, will be assessed. They will be prescribed formal physical therapy in the outpatient setting. At the 12 week visit each subject will complete the questionnaires once again. The scores will be tabulated and inserted in the Excel spreadsheet. The pre-operative and post-operative scores will be compared. The change in score from each treatment arm will be averaged and analyzed for statistically significant difference. Also, the pre- and post-operative forward flexion, abduction range of motion will be compared. The external and internal rotation strengths will be compared from the pre- and post-operative evaluations.