Effect of Subacromial Bursa Augmentation on Self-Reported and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective, Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

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Study Summary

67 patients with full or near-full-thickness supraspinatus tears were randomized to receive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) with minced subacromial bursa reimplantation or standard ARCR without bursa reimplantation. The primary outcome of interest was MRI-based tendon healing using the Sugaya classification. Other outcomes of interest included American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity and Global scores, and supraspinatus tendon thickness on MRI. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at approximately 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, with postoperative MRI performed at a minimum of 6 months. Overall, the results of the study revealed that patient-reported outcomes improved over time in both groups, but subacromial bursa augmentation did not produce clinically meaningful improvements in tendon healing or functional outcomes. These findings suggest that although the technique appears safe and feasible, routine bursal augmentation during ARCR is not supported by the current evidence.