Arthroscopic Tuberoplasty for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear
Arthroscopic tuberoplasty is performed for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears and preserved motion. By completing a debridement on the greater tuberosity rather than a subacromial decompression, rotator cuff debridement and partial repair, the surgeon does not disturb the CA arch, which helps prevent anterosuperior escape. Additionally, by limiting debridement to the greater tuberosity, the surgeon limits the possibility of creating an unbalanced shoulder while improving end of arc impingement pain. This debridement starts anteriorly near the bicipital groove and continues posteriorly until intact rotator cuff is encountered preserving any remaining attachment. In this particular case, the patient had end of arc impingement pain with preserved motion while strength was only limited due to pain. Although a revision rotator cuff repair with significant releases, a superior capsular reconstruction, or a tendon transfer may be performed for this particular case, this patient did not have motion deficits and elected to have an operation with a quicker rehabilitation.