Abstract
The results of arthroscopic repair of tears of the sub-scapularis tendon in nine men and six women, ranging in age from 53 to 73 years, were followed up at a mean of 14 months (6 to 24). Three were complete tears, six 50%-tears and six 30%-tears. In seven patients there were associated tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, which were repaired arthroscopically during the same procedure.
In each case the subscapularis tear was identified. In most patients a biceps tenotomy was necessary. The subscapularis footprint was prepared and the tendon was repaired using one or two anchors, each with two sutures, depending on the size of the tear. The mean pre-operative and postoperative Constant scores were 48 and 88 respectively.
In most patients, power returned to almost normal and pain was almost completely relieved. Arthroscopic subscapularis repair is a relatively new procedure and seems to give good results.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
