Graft Utilization in the Bridging Reconstruction of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review

Background:Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common conditions affecting the shoulder. Because of the difficulty in managing massive rotator cuff tears and the inability of standard techniques to prevent arthropathy, surgeons have developed several novel techniques to improve outcomes and ideally alter the natural history.Purpose:To systematically review the existing literature and analyze reported outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of using a bridging graft reconstruction technique to treat large to massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.Study Design:Systematic review.Methods:A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL was employed with the key terms “tear,” “allograft,” and “rotator cuff.” Eligibility was determined by a 3-phase screening process according to the outlined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data in relation to the primary and secondary outcomes were summarized. The results were synthesized according to the origin of the graft and the level of evidence.Results:Fifteen s...