Superior capsular augmentation for massive rotator cuff tears

To inform the committee, NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 5 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 3 case series and 1 case report, and is presented in table 2 of the interventional procedures overview. The committee also considered safety data from 1 conference abstract. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.

The specialist advisers and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be: reduction in pain, improvement in shoulder function and quality of life.

The specialist advisers and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: graft failure, infection, suture and anchor detachment.

Patient commentary was sought but none was received.

Various types of grafts have been used for this procedure.

The committee was advised that patients having this procedure should have intensive physiotherapy done by a physiotherapist specialised in shoulder rehabilitation, before and after the procedure.