Arthroscopic versus mini-open rotator cuff repair: an up-to-date meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic and mini-open rotator cuff repairs based on recently published Level I randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS:

We systematically searched electronic databases to identify RCTs that compared arthroscopic and mini-open rotator cuff repairs from 1980 to October 2013. The clinical outcome scores, including the University of California, Los Angeles score and the Constant-Murley score, were converted to a common 100-point outcome score for further analysis. The results of the pooled studies were analyzed in terms of surgery time, weighted 100-point score, pain on a visual analog scale (VAS), and range of motion. Study quality was assessed and relevant data were extracted independently by 2 reviewers.

RESULTS:

Five RCTs, including 166 patients in the arthroscopic repair group and 163 patients in the mini-open repair group, were included in this meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences in surgery time (P = .11), weighted 100-point score (P = .65), VAS pain score (P = .87), or range of motion (P = .29 for forward flexion and P = .82 for external rotation).

CONCLUSIONS:

On the basis of current literature, no differences in surgery time, functional outcome score, VAS pain score, and range of motion were found at the end of follow-up between the arthroscopic and mini-open rotator cuff repair techniques. In addition, there was no significant difference in VAS pain score in the early phase between the 2 repairs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Level I, meta-analysis of Level I studies.

• Authors: Xiaoxi Ji, Chun Bi, Fang Wang, Qiugen Wang
• Journal: Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association (Arthroscopy) Vol. 31 Issue 1 Pg. 118-24 (Jan 2015) ISSN: 1526-3231 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25442664 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Arthroscopy (methods)
• Humans
• Pain Measurement
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Rotator Cuff (surgery)