Surgical treatment of the cuff of rotators of the shoulder
Ambler, M.
Acta Chirurgiae Orthopaedicae et Traumatologiae Cechoslovaca 47(5): 448-456
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5415 PMID: 7456961 Document Number: 157822
Etiology, morbid anatomy and clinical finding in human shoulder rotator cuff damage are discussed. Diagnostic possibilities are mentioned. When after 2 or 3 mo. conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is recommended. The operation is performed by an anterior approach as suggested by McLaughlin or excision of the focus and reinsertion of the cuff, or using a posterior approach making lateral shift of the entire muscle as described by Debeyer. Both procedures are described. Both methods were used in 37 patients and the results were evaluated in 30 patients after some time interval. Results are in all instances satisfactory. When the posterior approach recommended by Debeyer is used, there is more rapid functional recovery and the functional results are more satisfactory.