Superior Capsule Reconstruction: What Do We Know?

Abstract

The management of irreparable rotator cuff tears remains challenging. Since its introduction by Mihata in 2012, superior<br />capsule reconstruction (SCR) has grown in popularity at an astonishingly rapid rate. The aim of this article is to provide<br />a comprehensive review of the available literature, in order to highlight what has so far been published on SCR,<br />covering all aspects including biomechanical, clinical and radiological studies as well as descriptions of the various<br />techniques for performing the procedure.<br />The short-term clinical results of SCR are promising, but there is need for further long-term studies, as well as randomised<br />controlled trials comparing SCR to other treatment modalities for irreparable rotator cuff tears. Further imaging studies<br />looking at graft healing rates are also required as the healing rates published so far are variable. Additionally, the<br />mechanism of action by which SCR delivers good short-term functional outcomes needs further clarification, as does<br />the importance of the choice of graft type and thickness.