Table 2.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Glenoid fixation of the SCR graft is theoretically improved owing to the technique using suture tapes with 3 points of fixation in the strong subchondral bone of the glenoid.

Theoretic improvement in the ease of graft introduction occurs in comparison with the double-pulley technique because the graft can be pushed into the fixation point with the anchor and shaft of the anchor inserter.

Restoring superior capsular stability through superior capsular reconstruction theoretically decreases rotator cuff repair failures due to superior capsular insufficiency that is typically present in these massive rotator cuff tears.

The decreased superior capsular distance and re-centering of the humeral head decrease tension on the repair and theoretically improve healing through early protection of the repair.

Maintenance of the decreased SCD during early healing protects the repair, with a theoretical “biologic internal brace” of the rotator cuff repair.

Soft-tissue augmentation provides a biologic scaffold and increases the strength of the repair construct.

Disadvantages

The need for direct suture management is increased.

The expense of the repair, because of the need for additional anchors and tapes in the glenoid, as well as the cost of acellular dermal allograft, must be considered.

SCD, superior capsular distance; SCR, superior capsular reconstruction.