Arthroscopic in Situ Repair of Partial Bursal Rotator Cuff Tears Without Acromioplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate functional outcomes and complications in a consecutive group of patients with partial bursal rotator cuff tears (PBRCTs) treated with insitu repair without acromioplasty.

METHODS: Seventy-four patients who had undergone an arthroscopic single row in situ repair for bursal-sided rotator cuff tears were evaluated. Clinical assessment consisted of glenohumeral range of motion measurement, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the University of California at Los Angeles score. Pain was recorded using a visual analog scale. Postoperative complications were also assessed.

RESULTS: Mean age was 55.2 years (±6.3) with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. After arthroscopic repair, all active range of motion parameters improved significantly (P < .0001). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved from 42.5 to 86.1; the University of California at Los Angeles scores improved from 15.8 to 31.4, and the visual analog scale scores improved from 6.6 to 0.7 (P < .0001). Only 3 patients developed a postoperative adhesive capsulitis that responded to physical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: In the midterm follow-up (42 months), arthroscopic in situ repair of PBRCTs without acromioplasty is a reliable procedure that produces significant functional improvements and pain relief.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.