Editorial Commentary: If the Massive Rotator Cuff Tear is Irreparable, Just Fix the Rotator Cable

Abstract

Large and massive rotator cuff tears are not always reparable and present a difficult clinical problem. If surgery is warranted surgical options range from arthroscopic debridement, partial repairs, degradable spacers, tendon transfers, and more superior capsular reconstruction. The rotator cable is formed by the deep layer of the coracohumeral ligament and the crescent structure running from the anterior insertion site of the supraspinatus to the inferior border of the infraspinatus. The role of the rotator cable is not clear but seems to play a role in reducing tendon stress and influence glenohumeral kinematics. In this laboratory-based cadaver study the anterior cable was reconstructed with semitendinosus allograft treating large "irreparable" rotator cuff defects. Reconstruction resulted in reduced superior migration and subacromial contact forces without inhibiting range of motion.