Prevention, Reduction, and Stabilization of Dog-Ear Deformities During Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

• Main Authors: Matthew T. Owen, M.D., Bo N. Loy, M.D., Dan Guttmann, M.D., John B. Reid, III, M.D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-01-01
• Series: Arthroscopy Techniques
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628719301859

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs (ARCRs) are common procedures that have been increasing in incidence. When performing ARCR, the surgeon often identifies an undesirable flap or fold, referred to as a “dog-ear” deformity, between sutures or knots. The height and/or thickness of a dog-ear deformity may decrease the rotator cuff–to–acromion distance, resulting in possible impingement and repair compromise. Furthermore, the goal of ARCR is to achieve complete restoration of the tendon-to-footprint relation. To restore the entire footprint, this lesion must be reduced and stabilized. We present a technique using looped sutures to augment the rotator cuff repair and prevent dog-ear formation.