Outcomes of Arthroscopic Versus Open Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Full-thickness rotator cuff tears are common. When symptomatic, they can affect quality of life. Surgical repair might improve patients' overall health.

We systematically reviewed postoperative outcomes in 10 studies comparing mini-open repair and all-arthroscopic repair techniques. Data regarding patient demographics, rotator cuff pathology, postoperative rehabilitation protocols, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scores, pain scores, and incidence of recurrent defects were extracted.

There were no statistically significant differences between groups within each study in terms of these data points. One study found decreased pain 6 months after surgery in the all-arthroscopic group versus the mini-open repair group.

This systematic literature review indicates there is no statistically significant difference in postoperative ASES, UCLA, or pain scores or incidence of recurrent rotator cuff tears in rotator cuffs repaired all arthroscopically versus using the mini-open technique. However, there might be decreased short-term pain in patients who undergo arthroscopic repairs.