title: Evolution of rotator cuff repair techniques: are our patients really benefiting?
abstract: The repair integrity of rotator cuff tears, which are a common disorder, is influenced by many biologic, environmental, and surgical factors. Surgery for rotator cuff repairs has evolved significantly over the past decade. The technical goals of rotator cuff repair include achieving high initial fixation strength, minimizing gap formation, and maintaining mechanical stability until biologic healing occurs. A variety of surgical techniques have been established to capitalize on certain aspects of these tenets and have been shown to provide biomechanical and biologic benefits; however, overall clinical outcomes may be dependent on certain tear characteristics. It is important for orthopaedic surgeons to be familiar with the natural history of rotator cuff disease to understand the various repair strategies and techniques and the outcomes associated with these procedures.
authors.affiliation: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Provencher
authors.forename: James S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kercher
authors.forename: Leesa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Galatz
authors.forename: Neal S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Elattrache
authors.forename: Rachel M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Cole
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D057913:Joint Capsule Release; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome