Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:22
Arthroscopic Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Whole Rotator Cable Reconstruction Using Proximal Biceps Tendon Autograft
Published on: June 6, 2025
Arthroscopic versus mini-open rotator cuff repair: a cohort comparison study
Jon J P Warner1, Patrice Tétreault, Janne Lehtinen
1Harvard Shoulder Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. jwarner@partners.org
Summary
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and mini-open rotator cuff repair (MOR) show similar patient satisfaction and outcomes. The choice between ARCR and MOR depends on surgeon or patient preference, as no significant differences were found.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears are common injuries requiring surgical intervention.
- Both arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and mini-open rotator cuff repair (MOR) are utilized for treatment.
- Comparative studies are essential to guide surgical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) versus mini-open rotator cuff repair (MOR).
- To evaluate differences in pain, range of motion, strength, and functional outcomes between the two surgical approaches.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case control study comparing 9 ARCR patients with 12 MOR patients.
- Patients were matched for key demographic and injury-specific factors.
- Preoperative and postoperative physical examinations and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) questionnaires were used for comparison at a minimum of 27 months follow-up.
Main Results:
- Both ARCR and MOR groups demonstrated significant pain reduction (P < .01).
- No significant differences in active flexion or external rotation were observed between groups (P > .20).
- While ARCR showed significant strength improvement (P < .01), both groups achieved functional strength (≥4/5), with no significant differences in overall SST scores.
Conclusions:
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and mini-open rotator cuff repair (MOR) yield comparable outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- No objective differences in functional recovery or pain relief were identified between the two surgical methods.
- The selection between ARCR and MOR should be based on surgeon expertise and patient preference.
