Arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff tear in the over-60s: repair is preferable to isolated acromioplasty-tenotomy in the short term

142 patients over the age of 60 were randomized to determine the impact of rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty and biceps long-head tenotomy in surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears compared to acromioplasty and biceps tenotomy alone. Follow-up of clinical results (Constant score) was conducted for 1 year postoperatively. Tendon healing was also evaluated with ultrasound in patient who underwent repair procedure. The results indicated that mean weighted Constant score of patients who underwent repair were significantly better than those who did not receive repair. However, subanalysis revealed significance only in intermediate tears. Furthermore, age of patient who underwent repair was associated with tendon healing rate.