The investigators evaluated the correlation between cutting-through at the greater tuberosity (GT) just medial to the lateral knotless anchor in arthroscopic suture-bridge rotator cuff repair and the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, hip and GT of the proximal humerus and to evaluate factors and clinical outcomes related to cutting-through at the GT.

Seventy-eight patients who underwent arthroscopic suture-bridge rotator cuff repair and who had undergone dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans before surgery were included. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who had cutting-through (46, group I) and patients who did not (32, group II). Clinical and radiological data including demographics, BMDs, fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscles, tear size, tear involvement, VAS pain score, and ASES score were analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Primary arthroscopic repair for a symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear identified by preoperative MRI
2. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to evaluate the BMD of the lumbar spine and hip, as a standardized measurement, and the GT of the affected proximal humerus
3. Follow up for a minimum of 2 years after the primary surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Primary arthroscopic repair due to partial-thickness rotator cuff tear or an isolated subscapularis tear
2. Primary suture-bridge repair with 3 or more lateral-knotless anchors
3. Previous history of fractures or surgeries on the affected shoulder
4. Shoulder instability
5. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis
6. Neurologic or systemic disease diseases influencing the shoulder joint 7 History of infection of the shoulder joint

Patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff suture-bridge repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tears