2024 COA Annual Meeting: Bridging Reconstruction vs. Superior Capsular Reconstruction: Radiographic Comparison. Results of a Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

Forty-six patients with large to massive, retracted rotator cuff tears were randomized to receive either bridging rotator cuff reconstruction (BRR) or superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). The primary outcome of interest was the acromiohumeral interval (AHI). Secondary outcomes included graft retear rate, progression of muscle atrophy, and fatty infiltration on MRI. Outcomes were assessed pre-operatively and at approximately 12 months post-operatively. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the BRR group had significantly better AHI maintenance and less muscle atrophy compared to the SCR group. These findings suggest that BRR is more effective in maintaining AHI and preserving muscle integrity, with comparable retear rates to SCR.