Long-term outcome of tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears: is tuberoplasty really applicable?

Background Tuberoplasty is a therapeutic option for irreparable massive rotator cuff tear (RCT). However, no study has reported long-term outcomes after arthroscopic tuberoplasty. Methods We evaluated 16 patients who underwent arthroscopic tuberoplasty for symptomatic irreparable massive RCT without pseudoparalysis. Patients were a mean age of 64 years (range, 43-80 years) at the time of the operation, and the mean duration of follow-up was 98 months (range, 84-126 months). Results At the last follow-up, the visual analog scale score for pain during motion had decreased to 2.3 from a preoperative mean of 6.9 ( P P P  = .011). Only 1 patient underwent revision surgery. Conclusions Arthroscopic tuberoplasty yielded satisfactory outcomes during a mean 8-year follow-up period. Although superior migration of the humeral head progressed with time, the clinical outcomes were not affected. Arthroscopic tuberoplasty is a good option for relieving pain and improving functionality in nonpseudoparalytic patients with painful irreparable massive RCT.