Editorial Commentary: Arthroscopic Repair of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: What Do We Know So Far and Where Should We Put the Focus of Our Future Research?

Abstract

The available evidence shows that arthroscopic repair using either the transtendon in situ repair technique or the tear completion and subsequent repair technique are associated with favorable results in the short term. Likewise, the location of the lesions (articular or bursal) does not seem to significantly influence the clinical results, regardless of the technique used. Specifically with regard to the surgical technique of choice in the case of deciding to complete the tear and then repair it, it remains to be defined more clearly in future investigations whether it is better to repair with a single- or double-row technique, whether associated subacromial decompression has any advantage and what the results of this technique are in the subgroup of athletes, especially in competitive and overhead athletes in whom repair of rotator cuff tears has shown unfavorable outcomes mainly at the expense of a low return to the same level of sport.