Abstract

SALLES BETANCOURT, Guido Román et al. Non-arthroscopic minimum access for the treatment of injuries of the rotator cuff. Rev Cubana Ortop Traumatol [online]. 2008, vol.22, n.1, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3100.

The results obtained in 225 patients and 235 shoulders surgically treated due to affections of the rotator cuff at "Frank País" International Scientific Complex from April 2000 to December 2005 were presented. Open acromioplasty was performed. In the first group, 98 patients and 101 shoulders were operated on by minimally invasive approach without desinsertion of the deltoids (Mcshane Technique); in group two (control group), Neer's conventional approach was carried out with partial desinsertion of the deltoids. 127 patients and 134 shoulders received surgical treatment. Mean age was 57 years old (from 28 to 75), and females were the most affected (n = 141). The patients were evaluated by the test of the University of California (UCLA). The preoperative in group 1 was 15.4 (14 - 16), whereas in group 2 it was 15.7 (14 - 17). The minimum follow-up was 2 years, and the maximum 7. In the postoperative evaluation, no significant difference was established (p < 0,065) according to the UCLA's test in the different periods, but 3 months later those patients operated on by the minimum access technique showed a mildly greater flexion force with a mean of 138° (from 130° to 160°), compared with the conventional technique that was 125° (from 120° to 140°). The incidence of complications was law in both techniques, but in group 2 there was reinsertion of the anterior fascicles in 3 patients. Minimum access surgery allows to carry out acromioplasty, small and medium repairs of the rotator cuff, and to rehabilitate the patient more rapidly with a low incidence of complications.

Keywords : Non-arthroscopic minimum access; treatment; injuries; rotator cuff.