Abstract
The assessment of the arthroscopic findings in patients suffering from impingement syndrome and partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon, staged as type 1& 2 under Ellman, Gartsman, Snyder, that were treated by acromioplasty, debridment and repair of the supraspinatus tear.
Thirty four patients,(20 male, 14 female), with a median age of 52 years, (48–64 years old), underwent shoulder joint arthroscopy. All were evaluated by two physicians and subjected to plain films (AP& Y views) as well as to MRI.
Clinically, the differencies in the evaluation of patients with type 1& 2a lesion were insignificant. Type 2b had a better outcome, but in comparison to type 1, that were subjected only to acromioplasty, variations involving range of motion, pain and scoring (Constant & Oxford scores), were observed, from the first stages of rehabilitation, with no further improvement. The comparative method in relation to the clinical trials was in favor of those patients treated with repair of the tear.
After a 29 m follow up, we suggest only acromioplasty, in stages 1& 2a, although the daily activities of each patient can change the approach. In type 2b lesions, irrespective of age, we suggest the repair of the tear
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