Evaluation of Medial Supraspinatus Muscle Release in Treatment of Retracted Rotator Cuff Tear

• Introduction Rotator cuff tears are a prevalent cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction, particularly among individuals engaged in repetitive overhead activities or advancing in age. The supraspinatus muscle, integral to shoulder function, initiates abduction and provides essential stability to the glenohumeral joint. When the supraspinatus tendon tears and retracts, surgical intervention is often necessary to restore function and alleviate symptoms. (1) Traditional surgical approaches for retracted rotator cuff tears typically involve reattaching the tendon to the greater tuberosity of the humerus. However, severe retraction can lead to challenges during repair, including increased tension on the repair site, potentially compromising healing and increasing the risk of re-tears. • Partial Repair with or without Augmentation: In cases of moderate retraction where complete tendon mobilization is challenging, a partial repair combined with augmentation techniques (e.g., patch augmentation, autografts, allografts) may be considered to optimize tendon-to-bone healing.
• Tendon Transfer: For massive irreparable tears or poor tendon quality, tendon transfer procedures (e.g., transferring the teres minor or lower trapezius tendon) may be necessary to restore function and shoulder stability. (2) To address these challenges, medial release of the supraspinatus tendon from its attachment on the medial border of the scapula has emerged as a promising technique.

Medial release involves detaching the supraspinatus tendon from its scapular attachment and mobilizing it medially. This technique aims to reduce tension at the repair site, allowing for better tendon apposition and potentially improving healing outcomes. Proponents suggest that medial release enhances biomechanical strength and reduces the risk of postoperative complications such as re-tears. However, the technique's optimal application, outcomes, and comparative effectiveness against traditional repair methods remain subjects of ongoing research and debate within the orthopedic community. (3)

Given the complexity and variability of retracted rotator cuff tears, a systematic evaluation of medial release is crucial to clarify its efficacy, safety, and role in surgical management. This protocol outlines a comprehensive framework for evaluating medial release of the supraspinatus tendon in the repair of retracted rotator cuff tears. The study aims to provide evidence-based insights that can guide surgical decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and advance the field of shoulder surgery.

Furthermore, medial release may enhance the biomechanical integrity of the repair. By optimizing tendon positioning and tension during repair, it could improve the mechanical strength of the repair construct. This aspect is crucial for achieving durable outcomes and preventing repair failure over time..