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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

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Arthroscopic Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Whole Rotator Cable Reconstruction Using Proximal Biceps Tendon Autograft
Published on: June 6, 2025
Rotator cuff injuries in the contact athlete
Jack F Otteni1, Claude T Moorman
1Sports Medicine Section, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances
|November 8, 2006
Summary
Rotator cuff injuries in contact athletes require unique surgical considerations due to distinct injury mechanisms. Treatment focuses on safe return to play, prioritizing strong repairs and minimizing re-injury risk.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Athletic Training
Background:
- Contact athletes experience rotator cuff injuries via mechanisms distinct from older individuals or overhead athletes.
- The high demands placed on contact athletes present unique surgical challenges for rotator cuff injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline special considerations for treating rotator cuff injuries in contact athletes.
- To address challenges in surgical repair and rehabilitation for this specific athletic population.
Main Methods:
- Review of injury mechanisms in contact athletes.
- Discussion of surgical repair strategies.
- Analysis of in-season and out-of-season rehabilitation protocols.
Main Results:
- Injury mechanisms in contact athletes differ significantly, necessitating tailored surgical approaches.
- In-season rehabilitation aims to facilitate continued competition when feasible.
- Out-of-season surgical repair must prioritize achieving the strongest possible structural outcome.
Conclusions:
- Treatment for rotator cuff injuries in contact athletes demands specialized strategies.
- The primary goal is the athlete's safe return to full participation with minimized risk of re-injury or long-term disability.
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