Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with Versus Without Acromioplasty: A Comparative Clinical Outcome Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Arthroscopy

Background:

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a standard treatment for rotator cuff tears.
• Acromioplasty is often performed concurrently to address subacromial impingement, but its routine necessity is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare functional and clinical outcomes of ARCR with versus without acromioplasty.
• To evaluate the added benefit of acromioplasty in ARCR procedures.

Main Methods:

• A prospective comparative study of 50 patients with rotator cuff tears.
• Patients underwent either ARCR with acromioplasty (Group A, n=25) or ARCR alone (Group B, n=25).
• Outcomes assessed at 6 months included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Constant-Murley Score, UCLA Shoulder Score, and range of motion (ROM).

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant pain reduction (VAS scores improved) and functional gains (Constant and UCLA scores increased).
• No significant differences were observed between the groups in pain scores, functional outcomes, or range of motion at 6 months.
• Complication rates, including re-tear, were similar between the ARCR with acromioplasty and ARCR alone groups.

Conclusions:

• ARCR with or without acromioplasty leads to comparable significant improvements in pain and shoulder function.
• Routine acromioplasty does not appear to offer additional clinical benefits in ARCR.
• Acromioplasty should be considered on a selective basis rather than as a routine component of ARCR.