Results of the deltoid flap for surgery of rotator cuff tears

AIM: Was to evaluate the results of deltoid flap for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears. METHODS: This retrospective study included 20 shoulders in 20 patients with a painful massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. The average patient age was 54 years. They were all treated with acromioplasty and a deltoid flap according to Augereau technique. Follow-up averaged 6 years 3 months (range 18 months - 11 years 4 months). Clinical and radiologic evaluations were done before and after surgery. Function was evaluated according to Constant's score. RESULTS: The Constant's score increased from 24.6/100 to 54.45/100. Eighty five per cent of patients were satisfied. Results on pain were good, with an average of Constant's score of 11/15. However, improvement strength or motion was not significative, with an average of 7.1/25 and 22.8/40 respectively. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that, this technique is a simple surgical procedure and their results on pain were good. Therefore, we conceder it is an excellent indication for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears in adults after medical treatment failure.