Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: transition from mini-open to all-arthroscopic

Rotator cuff repair is one of the most common surgical procedures done in the shoulder. Traditionally, repair has required an open incision with release 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 recently has been used for rotator cuff repairs. The arthroscopic approach offers several advantages including smaller incisions, easy access to the glenohumeral joint for treatment of intraarticular diseases, less soft tissue dissection, and less potential harm to the deltoid. The purpose of the current study is to discuss recent advances in arthroscopic and mini-open rotator cuff repair techniques and to highlight the technical aspects of the mini-open procedures that are important in making the transition to an allarthroscopic rotator cuff repair.