Superior Capsular Reconstruction Patients Have High Rates of Return to Sports and Similar Functional Outcomes Compared to a Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Matched Cohort

Abstract

Objectives: Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) is a relatively new procedure to address irreparable rotator cuff tears and rotator cuff arthropathy. Biomechanical studies have produced favorable results on cadaveric models, but few studies have evaluated clinical outcomes, and none have addressed return to sport (RTS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates of RTS and functional outcomes after SCR compared to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) matched cohort. Methods: A prospectively collected registry was queried retrospectively for consecutive patients who underwent SCR from 2015 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were ≥2 tendon irreparable rotator cuff tear by arthroscopic evaluation and minimum one-year follow up. All eligible SCR patients were matched by gender, age, handedness, and follow up time to patients that underwent rTSA with a similar preoperative diagnosis. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon at one institution with consistent operative techniques. Patients were evaluated with the ASES questionnaire, VAS Pain Scale, as well as VR/SF-12 and VR6D. Patients were also administered a detailed outcomes survey regarding surgical history and return to sport and work activities. Results: Overall 75.0% of 32 eligible patients were available at follow up. Average age at surgery and follow up did not significantly differ between cohorts (p>0.500 both). Postoperative outcome scores for ASES, VAS, VR/SF-12, and VR6D did not differ (p>0.310 for all) between cohorts. Overall RTS rate was 77.8% for SCR and 87.5% for rTSA (p > 0.610). Average months to return to sports was significantly greater after SCR (7.3 ± 3.0) compared to rTSA (3.5 ± 2.2; p = 0.032). Patients in both cohorts participated in golf, weight-lifting, gym activity, basketball and cycling postoperatively. Direct RTS for these sports are displayed in Fig. 1. Return to work rate was 71.4% (10/14) SCR and 50.0% (4/8) rTSA (p = 0.326) at average 2.7 ± 2.8 and 1.9 ± 1.9 months, respectively (p = 0.591). Stratified by duty status, rates of return to work were sedentary (100% both SCR and rTSA), light (100% both SCR and rTSA), moderate (0% SCR and 66.67% rTSA), and heavy (0% both SCR and rTSA). Overall, 85.71% SCR patients and 90.0% rTSA patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their general postoperative outcome. Conclusion: At short-term follow-up, SCR patients had RTS rates comparable to rTSA patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, time to RTS was more prolonged after SCR. Outcome scores did not significantly differ between the two cohorts, suggesting that SCR may achieve postoperative function and pain reduction similar to rTSA at one year. Return to work was also similar, although rates were not as high as return to sport. When stratified by duty status, return to more intense physical work demands was not consistent in either cohort. Despite this, over 85% of SCR and rTSA patients were satisfied postoperatively. The findings of this study demonstrate that SCR patients have high RTS levels, as well as similar functional outcomes and satisfaction compared to rTSA for irreparable rotator cuff tears. Clinicians can utilize this information for preoperative counseling, particularly with younger more athletic patients, considering SCR or rTSA for an irreparable rotator cuff tear.