Transtendon repair vs. tear completion in partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study Summary

9 studies including 719 patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing transtendon repair vs tear completion repair. Pooled outcomes of interest included Constant–Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, and imaging-confirmed retear rate. The pooled results showed no significant differences between techniques for shoulder function, pain, or tendon integrity, and subgroup analyses generally showed no clinically meaningful advantage for either approach. Overall, these findings suggest that both transtendon repair and tear completion repair are reasonable surgical options, with technique selection best individualized to tear characteristics and surgeon expertise.