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Updated: Dec 19, 2025
Arthroscopic Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Whole Rotator Cable Reconstruction Using Proximal Biceps Tendon Autograft
Published on: June 6, 2025
A comparative study of arthroscopic débridement versus repair for Ellman grade II bursal-side partial-thickness
Yi Zhang1, Shenhao Zhai2, Chao Qi2
1Department of Sports Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Traumatic Orthopedic Institute of Shandong Province, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
Hypothesis:
We aimed to report the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic débridement vs. repair for Ellman grade II bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.
Methods:
Patients who presented with Ellman grade II bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears from September 2015 to August 2017 were included. On the basis of preoperative findings and patient preference, 20 patients underwent débridement whereas 26 underwent arthroscopic repair. The visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley shoulder, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and University of California-Los Angeles scores were assessed. Magnetic resonance imaging and B-mode ultrasonography were performed preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.
Results:
All 46 patients were available throughout follow-up. At 2 years postoperatively, the VAS score had improved from 6.42 ± 1.56 to 0.65 ± 0.51 in the débridement group and from 6.26 ± 1.32 to 0.75 ± 0.42 in the repair group. The VAS score differed significantly between the 2 groups at 6 months postoperatively. All patient-reported outcomes improved in both groups. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P = .009), Constant-Murley shoulder score (P = .014), and University of California-Los Angeles score (P = .030) differed significantly between the 2 groups (higher in the débridement group) at 6 months postoperatively. Finally, 44 patients having intact tendon repairs with no interval worsening of partial-thickness tears underwent postoperative scheduled magnetic resonance imaging and B-mode ultrasonography examinations.
Conclusion:
Arthroscopic débridement and repair of Ellman grade II bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears achieved comparable clinical scores and low retear rates during 2 years of follow-up. However, débridement achieved better results, especially within 6 months postoperatively, and achieved a favorable prognosis up to 2 years postoperatively.
