**Superior Capsule Reconstruction: Review of a Novel Operative Technique for Management of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears Operative Technique for Management of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears**

**Superior Capsule Reconstruction: Review of a Novel** 

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.70049

Alexander Golant, Daiji Kano, Tony Quach, Kevin Jiang and Jeffrey E. Rosen Kevin Jiang and Jeffrey E. Rosen Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Alexander Golant, Daiji Kano, Tony Quach,

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.70049

#### **Abstract**

Rotator cuff tear is a common yet functionally debilitating shoulder condition. Risk factors for failure of repair or inability to repair include advancing age of the patient, chronicity of the tear, and larger tear size. Current operative management options for tears that are considered irreparable include debridement, partial repair, biceps tenotomy, interpositional grafting, tendon transfers, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Recently, superior capsular reconstruction has been introduced as an alternative surgical option for these tears and has demonstrated favorable short-term outcomes. However, the literature lacks studies with large numbers of patients, consistency of results, and long-term outcomes. This article reviews the anatomy and function of the rotator cuff and shoulder capsule; patho-etiology of rotator cuff tears, particularly the irreparable ones; and rationale, techniques, outcomes, and future direction of superior capsular reconstruction in the context of this clinical indication.

**Keywords:** shoulder, rotator cuff tear, massive rotator cuff tear, irreparable rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff repair, rotator cuff reconstruction, superior capsule reconstruction, superior capsular reconstruction
