Superior capsular reconstruction using a porcine dermal xenograft for irreparable rotator cuff tears: outcomes at minimum two-year follow up.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate midterm outcomes of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using a decellularized porcine dermal xenograft in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears and to determine the influence of concomitant, repairable subscapularis tears. Methods This is a retrospective study of 56 patients with a minimum two-year follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for pain were measured. Postoperative data was collected at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Results Of the 56 patients who underwent arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction, there were 39 men and 17 women. The mean age at operation was 65 ± 9 years and the mean follow-up was 34 ± 8 months. The mean preoperative ASES improved from 41 ± 19 to 78 ± 18 at 24 weeks, to 86± 16 at 12 months and to 90±9 at 24 months, p Conclusions SCR can alleviate pain and disability from irreparable rotator cuff tears and provide significant improvements in shoulder function, however the xenograft technique resulted in inconsistent reversal of true pseudoparalysis. No difference was found between patients who required concomitant subscapularis repair versus those who did not.