Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Modified Long Head of Biceps Tendon Rerouting and Fixation as Partial Capsular Reconstruction for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: March 6, 2026
Patch-Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair and Superior Capsule Reconstruction
M Petri1, J A Greenspoon2, S G Moulton2
1Steadman Philippon Research Institute 181 West Meadow Drive suite 1000 Vail, CO, 81657, USA; The Steadman Clinic 181 West Meadow Drive Vail, CO, 81657, USA.
Background:
Massive rotator cuff tears in active patients with minimal glenohumeral arthritis remain a particular challenge for the treating surgeon.
Methods:
A selective literature search was performed and personal surgical experiences are reported.
Results:
For patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, a reverse shoulder arthroplasty or a tendon transfer are often performed. However, both procedures have rather high complication rates and debatable long-term results, particularly in younger patients. Therefore, patch-augmented rotator cuff repair or superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) have been recently developed as arthroscopically applicable treatment options, with promising biomechanical and early clinical results.
Conclusion:
For younger patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears wishing to avoid tendon transfers or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, both patch-augmentation and SCR represent treatment options that may delay the need for more invasive surgery.
