In large or massive rotator cuff tears, successful repairs are difficult and complication rates are high, because the torn tendon is contracted and the superior capsule is disrupted. Recent studies have shown that superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) in massive irreparable rotator cuff tears results in better clinical scores and preserves stable glenohumeral stability without significant complications. In this article, we propose a simple, efficient SCR technique to reinforce the repair of large or massive rotator cuff tears. For this technique, the long head of the biceps tendon is used as a local autograft for the SCR, therefore eliminating comorbidities related to graft harvesting. The proximal part of the long head of the biceps tendon is transposed posteriorly and fixed onto the footprint as the SCR, which not only can maintain the stability of the glenohumeral joint, but also can preserve the vascular supply to help healing. Technique Video: video See video under supplementary data.

Background: Occult and missed surgical neck fractures can be found in patients diagnosed with isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fracture during the follow up period. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the incidence rate of occult and missed surgical neck fractures in those initially diagnosed with isolated GT fracture. Methods: Records of patients diagnosed as having an isolated GT fracture were retrieved from a database in a medical center. Two senior orthopedic surgeons blindly reviewed all images of these patients three times to classify GT fracture types (split, avulsion and depression types), and recorded any surgical neck fractures found. Then a meeting was help to confirm the fracture types and presence of surgical neck fracture. Results: Occult surgical neck fractures were found in 5 out of 68 (7.4%) patients, whereas missed surgical neck fractures were found in 3 out of 68 (4.4%) patients. In total, 32 patients had split type GT fracture, 32 had avulsion type and 4 had depression type. For those with occult surgical neck fractures, 7 had the split type GT fracture, while the remaining one had the avulsion type. Although the proportion of occult surgical neck fracture was higher in the split-type GT fracture (21.9%) than in the avulsion-type GT fracture (3.1%), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.056). Conclusion: Occult humeral surgical neck fractures occurred in 7.4% of isolated greater tuberosity fractures after re-evaluation, while missed humeral surgical neck fractures occurred in 4.4%.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of marrow stimulation (MS) versus biphasic scaffold loaded with autologous cartilage (scaffold) in treating focal osteochondral lesions of the knee. Methods: In total, 54 patients with symptomatic focal chondral or osteochondral lesion in the knee were randomized to either the scaffold group or the MS group. International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, the Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years after operation to compare treatment outcomes. Biopsy and second‐look arthroscopy were performed at 1 year postoperatively for consenting patients. Results: There were 27 patients (mean age 31.33 ± 10.95 years) in the scaffold group, and 27 patients (31.74 ± 11.44) in the MS group. The scaffold group and the MS group both included 23 patients with lesions ≤12.5 × 12.5 mm ² mm in size. In addition, each group had 4 patients with lesions between than 12.5 × 12.5 mm ² and ≤12.5 × 25 mm ² . Both interventions achieved significant improvement in clinical outcome scores at 2 years. The scaffold group had greater International Knee Documentation Committee score than the MS group at 2 years (93.85 ± 9.55 vs 92.11 ± 9.84) and in the Symptoms/Stiffness and Sport/Recreation subscales of Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score at 2 years (96.57 ± 5.97 vs 93.57 ± 6.52, P < .05) and (90.2 ± 17.76 vs 82.8 ± 16.08, P < .05). Conclusions: The use of biphasic scaffold loaded with autologous cartilage in treating focal osteochondral lesions demonstrates superior clinical outcomes and better cartilage refill on magnetic resonance imaging at the 2‐year follow‐up compared to marrow stimulation. Level of Evidence: Level I, Randomized controlled trial.