title: Management of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.
abstract: Partial-thickness tearing of the rotator cuff is common; however, relatively little is written on the subject. We reviewed 39 patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent acromioplasty, debridement of the abnormal tissue, and tendon suturing. Follow-up averaged 55 months (range 13 to 132 months). Twenty-three (59%) patients had an excellent result, 10 (26%) patients had a satisfactory result, and 6 (15%) patients had an unsatisfactory result. Four of the six patients with unsatisfactory results had also had unsuccessful previous surgery. Thirty-five (90%) patients rated their response to surgery as either much improved or improved. No complications occurred, and to date no reoperations have been required. Diagnosis of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears can be challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging supplies the most complete information about tendon structure. Conservative treatment is reasonable for most partial-thickness tears. When surgical treatment is indicated, acromioplasty, debridement, and tendon repair are effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Cofield
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome