Subacromial-First Approach to Minimize Infraspinatus Damage for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Repair

We present a tendon-preserving approach for massive rotator cuff tears, focusing on the subacromial space rather than entering the glenohumeral joint. This technique aims to minimize iatrogenic injury to already compromised tendons, particularly the infraspinatus, while improving visualization and s...

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Main Authors: Wittawat Boonyanuwat, M.D., Chatchavan Charoenthamruksa, M.D., Adisak Nartthanarung, M.D., Pinkawas Kongmalai, M.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:Arthroscopy Techniques
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628725000799
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author Wittawat Boonyanuwat, M.D.
Chatchavan Charoenthamruksa, M.D.
Adisak Nartthanarung, M.D.
Pinkawas Kongmalai, M.D.
author_facet Wittawat Boonyanuwat, M.D.
Chatchavan Charoenthamruksa, M.D.
Adisak Nartthanarung, M.D.
Pinkawas Kongmalai, M.D.
author_sort Wittawat Boonyanuwat, M.D.
collection DOAJ
description We present a tendon-preserving approach for massive rotator cuff tears, focusing on the subacromial space rather than entering the glenohumeral joint. This technique aims to minimize iatrogenic injury to already compromised tendons, particularly the infraspinatus, while improving visualization and surgical efficiency. By accessing the subacromial space first, manipulation of retracted and weakened posterior cuff tissues is avoided, reducing the risk of further damage. The procedure is performed in the beach-chair position using 4 portals strategically placed for optimal visualization and precise anchor placement. After addressing the subscapularis tear, a double-row supraspinatus repair is completed without the need for intra-articular exploration. Preserving tendon integrity may enhance biomechanical stability and potentially decrease retear rates. Additionally, the retracted tendon edges often provide an indirect view of intra-articular structures, allowing for the management of biceps or labral lesions. Although selective intra-articular inspection may still be required in certain cases, this approach represents a paradigm shift in managing massive cuff tears. Future studies comparing outcomes, such as functional recovery and retear rates, with conventional intra-articular techniques are warranted to further validate this subacromial-first method.
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spelling doaj-art-93f03323b11e4b41bf18ce1a80ff544f2025-08-20T02:35:34ZengElsevierArthroscopy Techniques2212-62872025-06-0114610351010.1016/j.eats.2025.103510Subacromial-First Approach to Minimize Infraspinatus Damage for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears RepairWittawat Boonyanuwat, M.D.0Chatchavan Charoenthamruksa, M.D.1Adisak Nartthanarung, M.D.2Pinkawas Kongmalai, M.D.3Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, ThailandDepartment of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, ThailandDepartment of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, ThailandDepartment of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand; Address correspondence to Pinkawas Kongmalai, M.D., Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Kasetsart University, 50, Ngamwongwan Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.We present a tendon-preserving approach for massive rotator cuff tears, focusing on the subacromial space rather than entering the glenohumeral joint. This technique aims to minimize iatrogenic injury to already compromised tendons, particularly the infraspinatus, while improving visualization and surgical efficiency. By accessing the subacromial space first, manipulation of retracted and weakened posterior cuff tissues is avoided, reducing the risk of further damage. The procedure is performed in the beach-chair position using 4 portals strategically placed for optimal visualization and precise anchor placement. After addressing the subscapularis tear, a double-row supraspinatus repair is completed without the need for intra-articular exploration. Preserving tendon integrity may enhance biomechanical stability and potentially decrease retear rates. Additionally, the retracted tendon edges often provide an indirect view of intra-articular structures, allowing for the management of biceps or labral lesions. Although selective intra-articular inspection may still be required in certain cases, this approach represents a paradigm shift in managing massive cuff tears. Future studies comparing outcomes, such as functional recovery and retear rates, with conventional intra-articular techniques are warranted to further validate this subacromial-first method.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628725000799
spellingShingle Wittawat Boonyanuwat, M.D.
Chatchavan Charoenthamruksa, M.D.
Adisak Nartthanarung, M.D.
Pinkawas Kongmalai, M.D.
Subacromial-First Approach to Minimize Infraspinatus Damage for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Repair
Arthroscopy Techniques
title Subacromial-First Approach to Minimize Infraspinatus Damage for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Repair
title_full Subacromial-First Approach to Minimize Infraspinatus Damage for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Repair
title_fullStr Subacromial-First Approach to Minimize Infraspinatus Damage for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Repair
title_full_unstemmed Subacromial-First Approach to Minimize Infraspinatus Damage for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Repair
title_short Subacromial-First Approach to Minimize Infraspinatus Damage for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Repair
title_sort subacromial first approach to minimize infraspinatus damage for massive rotator cuff tears repair
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628725000799
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