title: Patch-Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair and Superior Capsule Reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Massive rotator cuff tears in active patients with minimal glenohumeral arthritis remain a particular challenge for the treating surgeon.
  
  
  METHODS
  A selective literature search was performed and personal surgical experiences are reported.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, a reverse shoulder arthroplasty or a tendon transfer are often performed. However, both procedures have rather high complication rates and debatable long-term results, particularly in younger patients. Therefore, patch-augmented rotator cuff repair or superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) have been recently developed as arthroscopically applicable treatment options, with promising biomechanical and early clinical results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For younger patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears wishing to avoid tendon transfers or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, both patch-augmentation and SCR represent treatment options that may delay the need for more invasive surgery.
authors.affiliation: Steadman Philippon Research Institute 181 West Meadow Drive suite 1000 Vail, CO, 81657, USA; The Steadman Clinic 181 West Meadow Drive Vail, CO, 81657, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petri
authors.affiliation: Steadman Philippon Research Institute 181 West Meadow Drive suite 1000 Vail, CO, 81657, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Greenspoon
authors.affiliation: Steadman Philippon Research Institute 181 West Meadow Drive suite 1000 Vail, CO, 81657, USA.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Moulton
authors.affiliation: Steadman Philippon Research Institute 181 West Meadow Drive suite 1000 Vail, CO, 81657, USA; The Steadman Clinic 181 West Meadow Drive Vail, CO, 81657, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Millett
keywords: Joint-preserving surgery; massive rotator cuff tear; patch-augmentation; rotator cuff repair; rotator cuff tear; superior capsule reconstruction