Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction of the shoulder: a narrative review

Abstract

Irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) in young and considerably active patients are difficult to treat because it is mostly associated with poor outcome which may lead to a painful and dysfunctional shoulder. Most of the IRCTs are encountered in massive size rotator cuff tears which associated with high failure rate following surgical repair. Thus, the IRCTs was considered challenging for its poor healing rate following repair which may induce the arthritic changes. Since the advent of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) of the shoulder in 2013, it has gained its popularity. The procedure has become the most popular option for joint-preserving shoulder surgery for patients with IRCTs. It works by providing a static restraint to the superior humeral head migration to optimize the rotator cuff force couples, hence improving joint kinematics. The acceptance of superior capsular reconstruction has made it rapidly evolving in terms of a wider variety of procedures and broader surgical indications. Despite the enthusiasm and widely acceptance towards the procedure, there are still many queries that exist regarding the best indications, surgical technique particularly graft of choice, the long-term outcome, and the complication and risk of the superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). This narrative review provide the current evidence of SCR in an attempt to provide a state-of-the-art knowledge.