Study Summary

126 patients with reparable unilateral full-thickness rotator cuff tears were randomized to receive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) using the Greenhouse technique combined with microfracture or traditional single-row repair. The outcomes of interest were achievement of the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, ASES score, Constant-Murley score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Simple Shoulder Test score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, shoulder range of motion (ROM), tendon integrity assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), retear rate based on Sugaya classification, bone tunnel healing on computed tomography (CT), patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB). Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 24 months postoperatively, with CT assessment at 3 and 6 months. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both techniques produced substantial improvements in pain, function, and ROM. However, the Greenhouse technique demonstrated a significantly lower retear rate compared with traditional single-row repair while maintaining comparable clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that the Greenhouse technique may improve tendon healing integrity without compromising short-term functional recovery after ARCR.