ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Surg.
Sec. Orthopedic Surgery
Volume 12 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2025.1560417
Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Triangular Anchor-Stellate Suture Technique for Massive L/U-shaped Rotator Cuff Tears
Provisionally accepted
Weipeng Zheng*
Zhengfeng YeYuke SongZhijun LiuZhihao LiaoSheng ChenSuming ZhengZhiyong YiXudong HuangHewei Wei- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Background: Massive rotator cuff tears are a major cause of shoulder pain and limited function. While arthroscopic repair is common, treating complex L-or U-shaped tears, which involve tendon retraction and uneven tension, remains difficult. Specialized surgical methods are needed to restore normal anatomy and improve function. New arthroscopic techniques, like combined anchor placement and advanced suture methods, show potential for better tendon healing. But more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness specifically for L-or U-shaped tears. Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of the arthroscopic Triangular Anchor-Stellate Suture technique in the treatment of Massive L/U-shaped Rotator Cuff Tears. Methods: Between January 2022 and December 2023, 22 patients (8 males, 14 females) with massive rotator cuff tears (L or U shape) underwent arthroscopic repair using the Triangular Anchor-Stellate Suture technique. Disease duration ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months (median, 3 months). According to the DeOrio and Cofield classification, all tears were categorized as "L" or "U" type. Clinical outcomes were assessed by recording postoperative complications and comparing pre-and postoperative pain (VAS), shoulder range of motion (ROM), Constant-Murley score, ASES score, and modified SF-12 quality of life score. Pre-and postoperative imaging was performed using CT or MRI.Results: Patients' wounds healed in stage I without infection. They were followed up for an average of 17.59 ± 6.07 months (12-18 months). VAS scores decreased from 7.68 ± 1.04 preoperatively to 1.23 ± 1.45 postoperatively (P<0.05). Shoulder range of motion improved
Keywords: Arthroscopy, Triangular Anchor, Stellate Suture, Massive rotator cuff tears, clinical efficacy
Received: 14 Jan 2025; Accepted: 06 Jun 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Zheng, Ye, Song, Liu, Liao, Chen, Zheng, Yi, Huang and Wei. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Weipeng Zheng, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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