Arthroscopic assessment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears

To evaluate the reliability of the arthroscopic assessment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, 117 cases were prospectively investigated by imaging, arthroscopy, and open surgery. The confidence of the surgeon, his accuracy, and the surgeon-dependent character of arthroscopic assessment were evaluated in terms of the description of the main anatomic parameters. The surgeons were confident and accurate in diagnosing a full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus, but they underestimated its coronal and sagittal extent and its reducibility to the greater tuberosity. Conversely, the technique appeared very accurate in describing the rotator interval. Endoscopic assessment was particularly operator-dependent in the anteroposterior analysis of the tear. This study shows the limits of endoscopic assessment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. It illustrates the need for an adequate arthroscopic technique with a thorough knowledge of normal and pathological anatomy of the rotator cuff.