Outcome analysis of open versus arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a retrospective study

Rotator cuff tears are a frequent cause of shoulder pain and shoulder surgery in orthopaedics. The use of arthroscopy for the repair of rotator cuff tear has increased significantly in the last 10 years and has begun to replace the traditional open and mini-open repairs. Commonly sited advantages of arthroscopic techniques are glenohumeral joint inspection, treatment of intraarticular joint lesions, smaller incisions, no deltoid detachment, less soft tissue dissection, less pain, and possibly more rapid rehabilitation. Outcomes results of arthroscopic repairs have been reported in the literature (see “Background” below). However, no prospective, controlled trial has been done comparing open versus fully arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. We propose a prospective outcomes analysis study to compare the two procedures. The outcomes analysis will consist of chart reviews, validated questionnaires (eliciting patient satisfaction and lifestyle impact), follow-up physical exams with non-invasive strength testing, and a standardized ultrasonography of both shoulders to evaluate cuff integrity.