Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of three-line anchors combined with modified Mason-Allen technique in repair of moderate to massive rotator cuff tear under arthroscopy.

Methods The clinical data of 48 patients (repair of moderate to massive rotator cuff tear using modified Mason-Allen technique) were analyzed retrospectively. According to the anchors used, patients were divided into control group (double-wire anchors, n=23) and observation group (three-wire anchors, n=25). Age, gender, operation time, the number of anchors used during operation and postoperative complications were recorded in the two groups. American shoulder and elbow surgeon (ASES) scores, Constant-Murley shoulder function scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were compared between the two groups before and after surgery (last follow-up). During follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was used to evaluate rotator cuff retear.

Results At the last follow-up, VAS score of the shoulder in the two groups was significantly lower than before surgery, constant-Murley shoulder function score and ASES score were significantly higher than before surgery (P < 0.05). The number of anchors used in the control group was significantly higher than that in the observation group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion The clinical effect of three-line anchor combined with the modified Mason-Allen technique in repair of moderate to massive rotator cuff tear is better, which is consistent with the traditional two-wire anchors, but the amount of anchors is less.