Optimal Management of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Clinical Considerations and Practical Management

Partial thickness rotator cuff tears have been diagnosed with increased frequency due to heightened awareness and an improvement in diagnostic modalities. When >50% of the tendon thickness has ruptured, intra-tendinous strain of the residual tendon increases. Surgery is generally confined to patients who have failed non-operative measures and have persistent symptoms. The rationale for repairing partial thickness tears lies in their limited self-healing capacity, and propensity to enlarge over time and progress to a full thickness defect. Although tear debridement and acromioplasty can improve pain and function, tear progression can occur, in addition to worse results being noted in bursal-sided defects. Several surgical strategies have been recommended but there is a lack of evidence to advocate one form of treatment over another. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the treatment options for partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff.