Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in the adult population. PTRCTs are being increasingly diagnosed with MRI and arthroscopy. Initial treatment of symptomatic PTRCTs is usually nonoperative, including a period of physiotherapy accompanied by pain medication. If and when symptoms persist, surgical treatment may be indicated. Arthroscopic techniques with minimally invasive approach have become the gold standard. According to the evidence available, the use of arthroscopic repair has been associated with positive results in the short term, both with the transtendon in situ repair and tear completion with subsequent repair techniques. In addition, clinical outcomes do not seem to be significantly altered by the location of the lesions (articular or bursal), regardless of which method is used. Concerning the surgical technique chosen, in cases where the tear completion with subsequent repair technique is used, future research should define whether the single- or the double-row technique is more appropriate and analyze their results. Particularly in the subgroup of competitive and overhead athletes who have undergone repair of rotator cuff tears and have had unfavorable outcomes, leading to a low rate of return to sport at the same level prior to the injury.