Titanium anchors for the repair of rotator cuff tears: preliminary report of a surgical technique.

We used titanium anchors for the surgical repair of rotator cuff tears in 34 selected patients, all of whom were < 60 years of age, had good bone quality, and had no known metabolic bone diseases. Nine tears were repaired within 6 months, 15 within 6-12 months, and 10 later than 12 months after injury. Tear size was graded as small (10 patients), medium (15 patients), and large (nine patients) during open operation. After 6-24 months of follow-up, 30 patients reported satisfactory pain relief, function, active forward flexion, and muscle strength [18 excellent and 12 good results based on the University of California at Los Angeles rating system (UCLA scores)]; there were no implant failures (p < 0.001). Two patients had unsatisfactory function but good relief of pain, whereas two patients were dissatisfied with their overall result (four poor results based on UCLA scores). Although trans-bone suturing is presently the most common and successful surgical technique for rotator cuff tears, we found that use of titanium anchors shortens operative time and has results comparable with the traditional technique. Titanium anchors should not be used when bone quality is poor or good patient compliance is doubtful. They are also contraindicated, as our four poor results indicate, when the tear is old (> 6 months) and large (diameter > 5 cm with significant tissue degeneration).