title: Arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of the rotator cuff.
abstract: Arthroscopy has improved our diagnostic assessment of rotator cuff disease, especially in understanding patterns of articular surface partial-thickness tears. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is a proven and reliable alternative to open acromioplasty. Despite continued controversy, most partial-thickness rotator cuff tears may be satisfactorily treated by arthroscopic debridement and decompression. The role for debridement and decompression without repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tears seems less than initially suggested, as several recent independent studies have documented results inferior to open repair. Arthroscopically assisted mini-open repair of small, full-thickness rotator cuff tears is a reliable procedure. Arthroscopic repair appears promising, but is not yet well enough documented to be considered a standard treatment.
authors.affiliation: Shoulder Service, New York Orthopaedic Hospital, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Flatow
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery