title: Single- and double-row repair for rotator cuff tears - biology and mechanics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We critically review the existing studies comparing the features of single- and double-row repair, and discuss suggestions about the surgical indications for the two repair techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  All currently available studies comparing the biomechanical, clinical and the biological features of single and double row.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Biomechanically, the double-row repair has greater performances in terms of higher initial fixation strength, greater footprint coverage, improved contact area and pressure, decreased gap formation, and higher load to failure. Results of clinical studies demonstrate no significantly better outcomes for double-row compared to single-row repair. Better results are achieved by double-row repair for larger lesions (tear size 2.5-3.5 cm).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering the lack of statistically significant differences between the two techniques and that the double row is a high cost and a high surgical skill-dependent technique, we suggest using the double-row technique only in strictly selected patients.
authors: Rocco
authors: R
authors: Papalia
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Franceschi
authors: Sebastiano
authors: S
authors: Vasta
authors: Biagio
authors: B
authors: Zampogna
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Maffulli
authors: Vincenzo
authors: V
authors: Denaro
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002417:Cattle / Q000601:surgery; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012756:Sheep; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013552:Swine; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing