Preparation of Fascia Lata Autograft for Mihata Technique Superior Capsule Reconstruction

The great success of fascia lata autograft for superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) as described by Mihata for massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears is the direct result of creating a thick and stiff autograft. This requires proper harvesting of the graft and correct preparation of the graft. A graft of 6 to 8 mm thick is fashioned by folding and compressing the fascia, resulting in a stiff, rubbery consistency. The healing biology and biomechanical restoration of superior stability of a properly fashioned fascia lata autograft are well documented. The clinical success of the Mihata SCR with fascia lata autograft is directly related to the extremely high healing rates of this specific graft. We present our technique for preparing the fascia lata autograft for performing the SCR per the Mihata technique.