The Evolution of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Over the past 30 years, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) has evolved to become the gold standard in treating rotator cuff pathology. As procedural concepts of ARCR continue to improve, it is also continually compared with the open rotator cuff repair as the historical standard of care. This review highlights the evolution of ARCR, including a historical perspective; the anatomic, clinical, and surgical implications of the development of an arthroscopic approach; how arthroscopy improved some of the problems of the open approach; adaptations in techniques and technologies associated with ARCR; future perspectives in orthobiologics as they pertain to ARCR; and lastly, the clinical improvements, or lack of improvements, with all of these adaptations.

Automated summary

ARCR has evolved into the gold standard for treating rotator cuff pathology over the past 30 years, with continuous improvements in procedural concepts compared to the traditional open rotator cuff repair. This review highlights the historical perspective, anatomical, clinical, and surgical implications, as well as future perspectives in orthobiologics related to ARCR. Additionally, it discusses the clinical improvements or lack thereof with adaptations in techniques and technologies associated with ARCR.