This study aimed to describe a modified technique for arthroscopic-assisted transfer of the lower trapezius tendon in a selected group of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears and to evaluate its short-term results.
Patients scheduled for surgery will undergo evaluation one day before the surgical procedure and again at the six-month postoperative mark. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while shoulder function will be evaluated using both the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score and the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
The procedure, conducted under general anesthesia, starts with diagnostic arthroscopy followed by excision of the posterior bursa and preparation of the rotator cuff footprint. Attention then shifts to harvesting the low trapezius tendon, accessed through a 10cm incision over the spina scapula. The tendon is detached, dissected, and released from adhesions, ensuring not to damage its pedicle. A fascia lata graft is harvested from the ipsilateral thigh and sutured to the low trapezius tendon in a continuous, locking manner to aid fixation on the humeral head. A subdeltoid tunnel is formed, and the graft is shuttled into the subacromial space and fixed at the bicipital groove and tuberculum majus with knotless anchors. The stability of fixation and mobility of the low trapezius muscle are verified, and the graft and tendon are sutured together with tension, with the arm held in 90° abduction and maximum external rotation.
Gazi University Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGPain intensity
Pain intensity is assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients are presented with a 10-centimeter horizontal line labeled with 'No Pain' at one end (scored as 0) and 'Worst Pain Imaginable' at the other end (scored as 10). Patients are instructed to mark on the line the point that represents their current level of pain. The distance from the 'No Pain' end to the patient's mark is measured to determine the pain score, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
Time frame: one day before surgery
Pain intensity
Pain intensity is assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients are presented with a 10-centimeter horizontal line labeled with 'No Pain' at one end (scored as 0) and 'Worst Pain Imaginable' at the other end (scored as 10). Patients are instructed to mark on the line the point that represents their current level of pain. The distance from the 'No Pain' end to the patient's mark is measured to determine the pain score, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
Time frame: 6 months after surgery
Shoulder ability
The Constant-Murley score is used to evaluate shoulder function. This scoring system comprises four subscales: pain (scored out of 15 points), activities of daily living (scored out of 20 points), range of motion (scored out of 40 points), and strength (scored out of 25 points), totaling a maximum score of 100 points. Each subscale is assessed through a series of standardized maneuvers and patient-reported outcomes.
Time frame: one day before surgery
Shoulder ability
The Constant-Murley score is used to evaluate shoulder function. This scoring system comprises four subscales: pain (scored out of 15 points), activities of daily living (scored out of 20 points), range of motion (scored out of 40 points), and strength (scored out of 25 points), totaling a maximum score of 100 points. Each subscale is assessed through a series of standardized maneuvers and patient-reported outcomes.
Time frame: 6 months after surgery
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Shoulder function
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale is utilized to evaluate shoulder function. This scoring system consists of a series of questions assessing pain level, function, active forward flexion, strength, and patient satisfaction. Each category is scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 10 or 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating better function and satisfaction
Time frame: one day before surgery
Shoulder function
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale is utilized to evaluate shoulder function. This scoring system consists of a series of questions assessing pain level, function, active forward flexion, strength, and patient satisfaction. Each category is scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 10 or 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating better function and satisfaction
Time frame: 6 months after surgery