On 19/5, a representative from Gia Dinh General Hospital in Da Nang announced the successful application of the superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) technique using tensor fascia lata for an elderly patient. This method effectively treats severe shoulder joint injuries, preserving the natural joint for older individuals.
The patient suffered from right shoulder pain for several months, experiencing muscle atrophy and loss of motor function. Four months prior, he fell and sustained an injury, diagnosed as soft tissue damage. The pain gradually worsened, preventing him from dressing, combing his hair, and causing insomnia. Magnetic resonance imaging results this time revealed a large rotator cuff tear. The tendon mass was severely retracted and degenerated with fat, making direct reattachment to the bone impossible.
Doctors decided to perform arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using tensor fascia lata according to the Mihata technique. This method involves taking a segment of muscle fascia from the patient's own thigh to create a biological graft, replacing the damaged tendon.
"This technique uses the graft as a biological ligament to stabilize the humeral head, prevent superior migration, and restore the shoulder joint's range of motion," explained Doctor Nguyen The Ty, Head of the Orthopedic Trauma and Sports Medicine Unit at Gia Dinh Hospital.
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The patient is gradually recovering after surgery. Photo: Phuong Trinh |
The patient is gradually recovering after surgery. Photo: Phuong Trinh
The surgical team's biggest challenge was inserting the graft into the very narrow shoulder joint space via the arthroscopic system. Doctors had to secure the graft with near-absolute precision, as a small deviation in size or tension would compromise recovery effectiveness.
After surgery, the patient experienced significant pain reduction and was instructed to begin early passive range of motion exercises to prevent joint stiffness. The patient needs to continue physical therapy for 3 to 6 months for complete shoulder recovery.
Massive rotator cuff tears are a leading cause of shoulder pain and loss of function in elderly individuals. If not correctly diagnosed and treated promptly, the injury can progress to severe shoulder osteoarthritis, necessitating artificial joint replacement.
Nguyen Dong
