Over 3 years a single surgeon performed 226 rotator cuff repairs, 82 of them arthroscopically.

Available for this study were 64 patients (67 shoulders). The mean age was 61 years (34 to 79). The mean follow-up was 16.7 months. The UCLA scoring system was used and ultrasonographic assessment carried out. Outcomes were good to excellent in 86.6% of cases and satisfactory in 13.4%. Poorer results were seen mainly with larger tears.

In selected cases, arthroscopic repair by experienced surgeons can give results equal to those of open repair procedures.