Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of arthroscopic release combined with suture bridge treatment of old supraspinatus tendon tear with shoulder dysfunction.Methods 40 patients with old supraspinatus tendon tear were analyzed retrospectively.According to the operation method，the patients were divided into control group and experimental group with 20 cases each.Treatment of single row of loose strip anchor nails under arthroscope in control group，the experimental group was treated with the technique of loosening suture bridge under arthroscope.VAS score and ASES score were assessed before operation and after 1 month，3 months，6 months，and 12 months.Range of motion（ROM）was evaluated before operation and after 12 months.The analysis of complication was also preceded.Results All patients completed 12 months of follow-up.There were no difference between experimental group and control group in ASES score（27.6±5.5 vs 27.5±3.6），VAS score（7.6±0.5 vs 7.5±0.7）and shoulder bends forward[（83.6±12.4）°vs（80.6±14.5）°]，abduction[（75.6±8.4）°vs（72.8±9.3）°]，intorsion[（20.1±3.7）°vs（21.2±2.9）°] at preoperation（P＞0.05）.At 1 month，3 months，6 months，and 12 months postoperation，VAS scores were 5.8±0.6，4.2±0.5，3.0±0.2 and 1.8±0.4 in experiment group and were 6.1±0.3，4.4±0.6，3.5±0.4 and 2.2±0.3 in control group，the difference was significant（P＜0.05）.ASES scores were 35.8±3.6，54.2±4.7，73.1±3.2 and 85.8±2.6 in experiment group and were 34.1±3.3，49.4±3.6，69.5±2.4 and 72.2±3.1 in control group，the difference was significant（P＜0.05）.After 12 months，there was a significant improvement in joint flexion，abduction，and lateral internal rotation in experimental group[（160.4±10.2）°，（158.7±9.7）°，（48.1±5.9）°] than the control group[（138.4±7.2）°，（128.7±6.5）°，（30.1±4.2）°].No complications occurred in two groups，such as anchor loosening，pain，swelling and other complications.Conclusion Arthroscopic release combined with Suture Bridge can effectively improve the function of shoulder in patients with old supraspinatus tendon tear.

Key words: old, supraspinatus tendon tear, shoulder dysfunction, arthroscopic, treatment of release