Arthroscopic Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair

Open transosseous rotator cuff repair (RCR) was the original benchmark surgical technique for RCR. The advent of arthroscopic and suture anchor technology shifted the paradigm from open to arthroscopic surgery. Although technological advances have progressed, they come at a cost. Suture anchor technology is expensive, optimal constructs have yet to be determined, and the technology may lead to challenging complications and revision scenarios. In more recent years, a return to transosseous bone tunnels has been described with new arthroscopic techniques, eliminating the need for suture anchors. The purpose of this article is to review the historical, biomechanical, clinical, and economic literature surrounding arthroscopic transosseous RCR.

Automated summary

Open transosseous rotator cuff repair was the standard surgical technique, but the advent of arthroscopic and suture anchor technology shifted the paradigm. However, the use of suture anchors has drawbacks, such as cost and complications. Recently, new arthroscopic techniques have allowed for a return to transosseous repair without the need for suture anchors. This article reviews the literature surrounding arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair from historical, biomechanical, clinical, and economic perspectives.