Arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement without decompression for the treatment of tendinosis.

PURPOSE: The treatment of rotator cuff injury in the absence of a full-thickness tear has traditionally consisted of acromioplasty. However, this disorder may also be treated by arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement without acromioplasty. Our previous study of 79 shoulders so treated reported 87% good or excellent results at an average 53-month follow-up. The purpose of this article is to report the long-term, average 9.5-year follow-up of this cohort.

TYPE OF STUDY: Long-term follow-up of case series.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 62 shoulders in 60 patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Demographic criteria, residual pain, and the ability to return to recreational athletics were noted. The UCLA Shoulder Score and the Simple Shoulder Test scores were determined and statistical analysis performed.

RESULTS: Using the UCLA Shoulder Score, there were 79% excellent or good results at an average 114 months of follow-up. Patients with Workers' Compensation claims had significantly worse results, with only 40% rated good or excellent. Of the 60 patients, 77% had no or only minimal pain, 57% were still able to perform recreational athletics without difficulty, and 20% could participate at a lower level of intensity.

CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic debridement of rotator cuff injury in the absence of a full-thickness tear has good long-term results and minimizes additional surgical trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.