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

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a widely accepted treatment for symptomatic rotator cuff tears. Acromioplasty is frequently performed to reduce subacromial impingement; however, its routine use remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional and clinical outcomes of ARCR performed with and without acromioplasty.

This is a prospective comparative study that involved 50 participants who had tears in their rotator cuff muscles. These were grouped into two equal numbers: Group A, consisting of ARCR with acromioplasty (n = 25), and Group B, consisting of ARCR without acromioplasty (n = 25). The participants were aged between 30 and 70 years and had tears in their rotator cuff muscles confirmed by a magnetic resonance imaging scan and had failed conservative management. Patients were followed for 6 months postoperatively. The results were evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain, Constant-Murley Score, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score, and range of motion (ROM).

The majority of patients were aged 41-60 years (60%), with male predominance (66%). Pre-operative VAS scores were comparable (7.8 ± 0.9 vs. 7.6 ± 1.0; P = 0.42). At 6 months, significant pain reduction was observed in both groups (VAS: 2.1 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 0.9; P = 0.38). Functional outcomes improved substantially, with Constant scores increasing to 78.6 ± 6.3 in Group A and 76.9 ± 6.8 in Group B (P = 0.29), and UCLA scores of 30.2 ± 3.5 and 29.5 ± 3.8, respectively (P = 0.47). ROM improved in both groups without significant differences. Complication rates were similar, with re-tear observed in 8% of cases in each group.

Both techniques resulted in significant improvement in pain and function. Routine acromioplasty did not provide additional clinical benefit and should be considered selectively.