Current concepts in the evolution of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Abstract

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has become one of the most common and successful surgeries performed in orthopedics. It represents the culmination of advances in many diverse fields such as optics, fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, and most recently, orthobiologics. This article reviews the current state of the art of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, through the lens of its historical context and evolution to our present understanding. We review the limitations in the current approach, and glance toward the future of rotator cuff regeneration with emerging technologies.

Keywords

• Rotator cuff repair
• arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
• supraspinatus
• infraspinatus
• massive rotator cuff tear
• superior capsule reconstruction