Assessment and Functional Evaluation of Shoulder Following Mini Open Rotator Cuff Repair

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction, particularly in older adults and individuals performing repetitive overhead activities. While conservative management is effective in partial tears, surgical repair is often required for full-thickness tears. Mini-open rotator cuff repair has gained popularity for offering both adequate visualization and less invasiveness compared to traditional open surgery.

Objective: To assess the functional outcome and shoulder mobility following mini-open rotator cuff repair using validated clinical scoring systems over a 6-month follow-up period.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 40 patients diagnosed with rotator cuff tears confirmed clinically and radiologically. Functional outcomes were assessed using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Shoulder range of motion was measured preoperatively and at follow-ups at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: The mean age of subjects was 48.5 ± 14.79 years; 60% were male. The majority had degenerative or traumatic tears. UCLA scores showed a significant increase from a preoperative mean of 9.22 to 27.07 at 6 months (p < 0.001), while DASH scores significantly decreased from 72.9 to 29.15 (p < 0.001), indicating improved function and reduced disability. Shoulder range of motion also significantly improved across all planes by 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001 for all movements).

Conclusion: Mini-open rotator cuff repair leads to significant improvement in functional outcome and shoulder mobility, as evidenced by favorable UCLA and DASH scores and enhanced range of motion. It is a safe and effective surgical option for patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears..