Abstract
The aim of this study is to prepare for the introduction of the world’s first nationwide registry of all rotator cuff tears proceeding to operative management.
Patient’s are scored pre-operatively and again at six and 12 months post-op using the Flex SF functional scale, pain scales and work and activity levels. A questionnaire is filled out by the operating surgeon on the day of surgery detailing pathology and the operative methods used.
This study is a New Zealand Shoulder and Elbow Society initiative begun in 2007. New Zealand is ideally suited with a small, cohesive group of orthopaedic surgeons. Rotator cuff surgery is advancing rapidly with changes in surgical approach from open to arthroscopic, and repair methods from bone tunnels to various choices of anchors. A wide range of surgical methods are used within New Zealand, presenting an opportunity to use the large numbers generated by a registry to give valuable information guiding future treatment.
The operation day questionnaire includes information on tear size, surgical approach, repair methods, biceps and AC joint pathology and rehabilitation.
More than 100 patients have already been registered in the pilot study and a number have completed the six month questionnaire. These early results will be presented, along with important information for the large number of surgeons who will become involved when the nationwide registry commences.
Correspondence should be addressed to Associate Professor N. Susan Stott, Orthopaedic Department, Starship Children’s Hospital, Private Bag 92024, Auckland, New Zealand.
