The Clinical and Ultrasound Outcomes of Double-row "Knotless" Rotator Cuff Repairs Using the Montgolfier Technique

Arthroscopic repairs of rotator cuff tears are now predominantly performed using double-row anchor and suture techniques. This approach is considered to have superior biomechanics compared to previous single-row repair techniques. Numerous double-row techniques with a knotted medial row have been described, but a consensus regarding their performance has yet to be established. One such technique is effective and easily reproducible: the "double-row Montgolfier" arthroscopic repair technique. This knotless approach features a uniformly distributed, load-sharing, and radially oriented suture configuration, much like the envelope cables of a Montgolfier hot air balloon, its namesake. Other advantages include the possibility of applying progressive manual tension to each suture and easy intraoperative adjustments based on the size, shape, and delamination of the tear, as well as the tension and quality of the tissues. Future studies are needed to validate the biomechanics and clinical outcomes of this technique. To date, only one publication describes this technique, from which its practice is gradually developing in France. No studies currently evaluate the performance of this approach. This pilot study will provide data to inform the design of other studies.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical results (functional and pain) of the "Montgolfier Double-Row Knotless" technique at 12 months of follow-up.