title: Articular surface partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.
abstract: Between 1987 and 1992, one hundred eleven articular surface partial-thickness rotator cuff tears were diagnosed in 106 patients; 90 were men, and 16 were women. The average age was 42.5 years. Average follow-up was 32.3 months, ranging from 26 to 84 months. Patients were separated into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 85 shoulders in which impingement was believed to be the primary cause; these shoulders were treated with debridement of the tear and arthroscopic subacromial decompression. Group 2 consisted of 14 shoulders with instability treated with debridement of the partial tear and anterior reconstruction (n = 10) or debridement and rehabilitation (n = 4). Group 3 contained 12 shoulders with tearing caused by trauma that were managed with debridement and open repair, if necessary. In 98 of 111 cases (88%), the patients had a satisfactory result. Five patients required open rotator cuff repair at a later date because of continued symptoms. Complications included significant postoperative stiffness in four shoulders, which required open release.
authors.affiliation: Texas Orthopedic Hospital, Houston, USA.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Gartsman
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Milne
mesh_terms: D000174:Acromion / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy; D003646:Debridement; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome