Microfractures at the rotator cuff footprint: a randomised controlled study

57 patients who were scheduled to receive arthroscopic repair of full thickness rotator cuff tears between 2008 and 2009 were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 groups to determine if the introduction of microfractures to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair improved clinical function and imaging outcomes when compared to arthroscopic repair alone. The results of the study indicated that microfractures at the footprint of rotator cuff repairs are a simple, safe, and inexpensive way to reduce pain and improve ROM/function in the short term, for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair. However, microfracture did not result in superior improvements when assessed at 2 years.