Basics of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Traditional methods of open and mini-open rotator cuff repairs have shown excellent results in short- and medium-term follow-up and remain viable methods of treating rotator cuff pathology. A trend toward the arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears continues, however, and will probably accelerate as the next generation of surgeons is trained in arthroscopic treatment methods. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff repair with an emphasis on technique. An understanding of the principles of rotator cuff repair and arthroscopy serves as a basis for a step-by-step approach to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.