Advancements in Shoulder Repair: Comparing Supraspinatus Tendon Techniques

A comparative supraspinatus repair study found that a novel double-pulley suture-bridge (DPSB) technique produces better clinical outcomes and a lower re‑tear rate than single‑row (SR) repair without adding implant cost or operative time.

Double-pulley suture-bridge and single‑row repairs were compared in a retrospective cohort of 87 patients (46 DPSB, 41 SR) with full‑thickness supraspinatus tears and a minimum 24‑month follow‑up. Primary endpoints included VAS pain, ASES and UCLA functional scores, range of motion (ROM), and tendon integrity by MRI or ultrasound.

At 24 months, postoperative VAS, ASES, and UCLA scores favored DPSB (VAS P=0.011; ASES P=0.005; UCLA P=0.030), reflecting superior pain relief and function in the DPSB group. Forward flexion, abduction, and internal rotation also improved significantly with DPSB, supporting a clear functional advantage in this cohort.

Implant cost and operative time were essentially equivalent (mean implant cost $1,092 DPSB vs $1,080 SR; mean surgical time 87.4 min DPSB vs 84.2 min SR). Structural outcomes likewise favored DPSB, with a lower re‑tear incidence reported (15.6% DPSB vs 27.2% SR).

Both cohorts had ROM and return‑to‑activity gains under a standardized rehabilitation protocol, with return‑to‑sport progression typically beginning around 6 months. The greater ROM gains after DPSB were congruent with the superior pain and function scores, indicating at least comparable timelines for activity resumption and a likely functional edge with DPSB.