TRANSOSSEOUS ARTHROSCOPIC ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR: 1 YEAR CLINICAL FOLLOW-UP WITH THE NEW SYSTEM FISH-FIT (FAST IMPLANT FOR SHOULDER HEALING)

Aim. This arthroscopic technique could be considered a surgical alternative in the rotator cuff repair (RCR) particularly in patients with a poor bone stock in the greater tuberosity area. The technique considers an heavy decortication of the foot print area, the execution of transosseous tunnels guided through a properly designed jig and tendons fixing by high resistance sutures inserted in an implant that optimizes stability and avoids a direct impingement between sutures and bone tunnels: bone cut through associated with sutures weakening or breakage. Methods. In the period between 2011 and 2012 we have treated 41 patients with a massive cuff lesion; the average follow up is 6.41 months (min 3, max 11). Results. The measured recovery was excellent with a Constant score increase of 58.65 starting from an average pre-operative value of 24.51 (min 4, max 71) to a final 83.16 (min 41, max 89). The repaired cuffs have been evaluated by ultrasound or RMN to assess the RC reattachment and by x-ray to reveals implants displacement: so far no implants displacement have been detected. No complications are reported during the surgeries both due to neurological deficit or instrumentations failure. Conclusion. On the basis of our experience we think this device could represent a valid alternative to what currently available for RCR, relying both on the superior stability of the implant and on the transosseous approach that in the past has been recognized valid for the more anatomical suture configuration.