Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Tear Repair: Single Versus Double Layer Fixation

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Arthroscopic Double- Versus Single-layer Reconstruction of the Rotator Cuff: Clinical and Radiological Outcome

Retear rates after arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs remain unsatisfactorily high. Recently, attention has been paid to restore the rotator cuff's native anatomy by reconstructing the superior joint capsule. However, the debate whether to reconstruct only the superficial tendinous part or also the deeper capsulo-ligamentous part of the rotator cuff is ongoing. Thus, the intention of the present study is to compare double-layer versus single-layer arthroscopic rotator cuff repair regarding retear rate and clinical outcome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with repairable supra- and infraspinatus tears scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff fixation
• tear size of at least 2.5 cm and up to 4.0 cm
• signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• axillary nerve palsy