Short-term efficacy of open surgery versus arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in moderate rotator cuff tears

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of open versus arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in treating moderate rotator cuff tears. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 68 patients diagnosed with moderate rotator cuff tears and who were treated surgically at Hangzhou Fuyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedics and Traumatology from September 2021 to April 2023. Patients were categorized based on the surgical methods they received: the minimally invasive group (MIG, n=37, undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair) and the open surgery group (OSG, n=31, undergoing open rotator cuff repair). Operative indicators, perioperative and follow-up pain intensity, shoulder joint scores, range of motion, and complication incidence were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the factors affecting prognosis were also analyzed. Results: The MIG had shorter operative time, shorter hospital stay, smaller incision length, and less intraoperative blood loss than the OSG (all P<0.05). At 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, the MIG reported significantly lower Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and higher Constant-Murley scores compared to the OSG (all P<0.05). At the 6-month follow-up, the MIG exhibited higher University of California-Los Angeles scores and Constant scores, as well as greater forward flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation angles than OSG (all P<0.05). The incidence of complications was lower in the MIG compared to the OSG (P<0.05). The binomial logistic regression analysis identified surgical approach as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (P<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for patients with rotator cuff tears involves minimal trauma and allows for rapid postoperative recovery. Additionally, the procedure helps restore shoulder joint function and improve the range of motion, offering promising clinical applications.