Clinical Decision Making in Open vs Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Evidence for Preoperative Decision Making

Abstract

Objective: To further understand what factors should be considered when deciding to do mini-open versus arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods: A systematic literature search on the computer was done with the help of the PubMed database. Of the articles searched through, three have been chosen to specifically address topics of interest concerning the factors affecting arthroscopic vs mini-open RCR surgical approaches. Discussion: As we continue to progress down the line of factors impacting a clinician’s decision making, we begin to see how postoperative management is unchanged. Tear severity lacks sufficient evidence to base a decision on, but financial, educational, and logistical factors are proven to play a significant role in this decision. Conclusion: As of right now it seems that mini-open RCR is the most cost and time efficient method, especially amongst non-fellowship trained surgeons or ones with lower volume of shoulder scopes. However, further studies should be done to examine cost and efficiency in Sport Medicine fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons to validate these findings.