Introduction: The suspension bridge principle relies on a firm fixation of the torn rotator cuff at the anterior and posterior margins of the greater tuberosity leaving a mobile section between the two points. In massive rotator cuff tears which cannot be approximated, a partial repair can be performed using the above principle. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and radiological results using the above technique with bio-absorbable anchors.

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of a consecutive series of 59 patients who were found intraoperatively to have a rotator cuff tear of greater than 5cm. There were 41 men and 18 women with an average age of 68 years (range). The average length of follow up was 16 months (12 to 26 months). Patients were assessed objectively with the Constant score, and subjectively with the Oxford questionnaire. Cuff integrity was evaluated using ultrasound.

Results: Using the Constant score, the outcome was excellent in 30(51.5%), fair in 24(40.5%) and poor in 5(8.5%). 55(93%) patients had an improvement in pain whilst all had increased movement. 51(86%) had improved activities of daily living, whilst 43(72.3%) had improvement in recreational activities. Ultrasound demonstrated the repair remained firmly anchored in position in 54 patients (91.5%). Five patients showed complete disruption and represented poor functional outcome. Patient satisfaction was 94.9%.

Conclusion: Our results confirm that a water tight repair is not necessary for a good functional outcome for massive irreparable tears. The biodegradable anchors have been shown to be holding the repairs well at medium term follow up. In patients with a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear, the suspension bridge principle is a valuable technique.