Medium-Term Clinical Outcome of the Arthroscopic Repair of Isolated Subscapularis Tendon Tear

There have been many studies on arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery outcomes. However, few studies have investigated the outcomes of the arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis tendon tear.

This study aimed to evaluate themedium-term clinical outcomes of the arthroscopic repair of an isolated subscapularis tendon tear in a four-year follow-up.

This prospective cohort study was performed on all patients with shoulder pain who had isolated subscapularis tendon on magnetic resonance imaging and underwent arthroscopic evaluation and repair at Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, during 2011 - 2017. The mean follow-up time was 4 years. The modified UCLA, Quick DASH, and visual analogue scale (VAS) were measured, and the belly-press test and lift-off test were completed in the examination. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 24.

Out of 11 patients, three were female (27.3%), and seven were male (72.7%). The mean age of patients was 59.42 ± 8.12 years. Nine patients were completely satisfied with the surgery outcome, and one was relatively satisfied. Themean UCLA score 2 years after the surgery increased significantly (33.28 ± 2.92 vs. 10.71 ± 3.4, P < 0.001). The mean Quick DASH reached from 38.26 ± 27.94 before surgery to 7.56 ± 16.43 (P = 0.003). Moreover, the mean VAS score significantly reduced (0.57 ± 1.51 post-intervention compared to 4.57 ± 1.21 pre-intervention, P < 0.001).

The medium-term results of the arthroscopic repair of subscapular tendon tear were satisfactory. Therefore, it can be a reliable alternative method for open subscapularis tendon repair.