Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to analyze if there is any difference between the arthroscopic reparation of full-thickness supraspinatus tears with simple row technique versus suture bridge technique.

Material and methods:

We accomplished a retrospective study of 123 patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears between January 2009 and January 2013 in our hospital. There were 60 simple row reparations, and 63 suture bridge ones.

Results:

The mean age in the simple row group was 62.9, and in the suture bridge group was 63.3 years old. There were more women than men in both groups (67%). All patients were studied using the Constant test. The mean Constant test in the suture bridge group was 76.7, and in the simple row group was 72.4. We have also accomplished a statistical analysis of each Constant item. Strength was higher in the suture bridge group, with a significant statistical difference (p < 0.04). The range of movement was also greater in the suture bridge group, but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Suture bridge technique has better clinical results than single row reparations, but the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.298).