Abstract des Autors

From 1984 till 1993, we performed surgery upon 24 patients with massive rotator cuff tears of 5 cm and longer. In 22 patients we were able to repair the rotator cuff. All 22 were postoperatively examined. The preoperative and postoperative UCLA score was assessed using examination, case history and, in some cases, data from the patients' files. In our opinion, surgical repair of massive tears of the rotator cuff combined with a procedure according to Neer is a very effective treatment. A prospective comparative study of the surgical repair procedure and single arthroscopic (or open) Neer decompression without repair would be valuable. Especially for patients who need a good shoulder function either professionally or for sports, we believe surgical repair is the best option. Verf.-Referat