What This Procedure Involves
Performed arthroscopically. A thick dermal allograft or fascia lata autograft is secured between the superior glenoid and greater tuberosity, bridging the irreparable cuff defect. Takes one and a half to two hours.
SCR restores the superior restraint of the shoulder in massive irreparable rotator cuff tears using a graft placed over the humeral head to prevent upward migration.
Performed arthroscopically. A thick dermal allograft or fascia lata autograft is secured between the superior glenoid and greater tuberosity, bridging the irreparable cuff defect. Takes one and a half to two hours.
For younger, active patients with massive irreparable cuff tears not suitable for reverse shoulder replacement.
Physiotherapy, injection, partial repair, tendon transfer, or reverse shoulder replacement.
MRI confirming irreparable tear. Pre-operative physiotherapy.
Improved function and pain relief. 75–85% satisfaction at two to five years.
10–30% reported.
Temporary.
Overhead strength limited.
Slightly higher with allograft.
Rare.
Long-term deterioration.
General anaesthesia with nerve block.
Sling six weeks. Active movement from six weeks. Strengthening from three months. Full recovery six to twelve months.
Reviews at two, six weeks, three, six months, one year. MRI at six to twelve months.
SCR preserves the native joint for younger patients. Reverse replacement is more reliable but is a joint replacement.