Arthroscopic versus mini-open approach in the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff repair is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the shoulder. Traditionally, repair required an open incision with removal of a portion of the deltoid from the acromion. In the past decade, an arthroscopically assisted 'mini-open' approach has gained popularity. This has been facilitated by advances in the use of arthroscopy. This trend toward a more minimally invasive approach has continued as arthroscopic techniques continue to improve and advance. An all-arthroscopic approach has recently been used to perform rotator cuff repairs. The arthroscopic approach offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, easy access to the glenohumeral joint for treatment of intra-articular pathology, less soft tissue dissection, and less potential harm to the deltoid. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Inc.