Comparing arthroscopic partial repair combined with biceps tendon augmentation versus partial repair alone for the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears:a Meta-analysis
NA Yu-yan
ZHANG Ting
GUO Jian-tao
YANG Yi-feng
ZHENG Wen-kai
REN Yi-zhong
Abstract：Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic partial repair combined with biceps tendon augmentation(PBA)and partial repair alone(PR)for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears(IMRCT)through a Meta-analysis.Methods A systematic search of MEDLINE,Embase,and the Cochrane Library up to December 2024 was conducted to identify clinical studies comparing PBA and PR for IMRCT.Outcome measures included retear rates,pain scores,functional scores,and range of motion.Literature screening followed PRISMA guidelines,study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies(MINORS),and data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.Results Five retrospective studies(Level Ⅲ evidence)involving 299 patients were included.Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between PBA and PR groups in postoperative retear rates(37.32%vs.40.76%;OR=0.72,95%CI 0.31-1.65,P=0.44),VAS pain scores(MD=0.02,95%CI-0.41-0.45,P=0.93),ASES scores(MD=-1.27,95%CI-8.02-5.48),or Constant scores(MD=0.31,95%CI-3.11-3.73).Range of motion(forward flexion and external rotation)also showed no statistical differences.Conclusions PBA and PR demonstrate comparable outcomes in retear risk,pain relief,functional recovery,and joint mobility for IMRCT.However,limitations such as retrospective design,small sample sizes,and procedural heterogeneity warrant further validation through high-quality randomized controlled trials.
Keywords：Rotator cuff tearsBiceps tendonReconstructive surgical proceduresMeta-analysis
Publication Date：2026-02-19
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-09(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：7( 162-168 )