Mini-open Rotator Cuff Repair Using Anterolateral Approach

Purpose: To introduce mini-open rotator cuff repair using the anterolateral approach and evaluate its clinical outcomes and effectiveness. Materials and Methods: 59 consecutive cases of rotator cuff tearing which were treated with mini-open repair utilizing the anterolateral approach were evaluated. The population comprised 39 men and 20 women, with an average age of 56.6 years. An average follow-up time period was 26 months. Clinical outcomes were analyzed based on VAS, ADL, and ASES scores. Results: The average respective VAS, ADL, and ASES scores improved from 7.04, 12.37, and 35.32 preoperatively to 1.02, 27.20, and 90.08 postoperatively (p=0.000). There were 41 excellent, 11 good, 2 fair, and 5 poor results. There were satisfactory results in 52 cases (88.1%). There were no statistically significant differences between the final ASES scores and age, sex, duration of symptoms, tear size, and preoperative stiffness (p>0.05). Conclusion: Mini-open rotator cuff repair using the anterolateral approach effective in providing better visualization.