Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Massive rotator cuff muscle tears (MRCT) are defined as a full thickness tear of at least two tendons or a tear measuring greater than five centimeters in the coronal plane. This work aimed to to justify the role of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) in improving the functional, clinical and radiological outcomes in the MRCT patients.
Methods: This prospective study included 20 adult patients with MRCT, was carried out at the Orthopedic Surgery Department Benha University Hospital. All cases underwent physical examination, motion range assessment and radiographic examination and were evaluated by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES) and visual analogue sacle.
Results: The pre-operation ASES scores have a mean of 47.1 with a standard deviation of 11.3. The post-operation ASES scores have a mean of 83.3 with a standard deviation of 7.6. These findings indicate a significant improvement in the ASES scores following the operation. The post-operation scores show a higher mean value compared to the pre-operation scores, suggesting an enhancement in range of motion (p<0.001). The data shows a substantial improvement in shoulder function post-treatment. Post-operation, there was a marked shift towards improved shoulder function, with 35% achieved an 'Excellent' grade and a significant majority of 65% obtained a 'Good' grade.
Conclusions: SCR demonstrated remarkable efficacy in improving shoulder function. Postoperative assessments revealed significant enhancements in active external rotation, forward flexion, and abduction degrees, reflecting the restoration of shoulder biomechanics achieved through SCR.