Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair: Does Healing Matter?

Controversy surrounds the subject of whether rotator cuff healing after repair affects clinical outcome. Based on current evidence, improved pain and functional outcome does not always correlate with repair integrity. However, patients who heal generally have a better chance to improve clinically. Pain relief is achieved more predictably than functional return. Fatty degeneration progresses and does not always correlate with healing. Strength improvement may correlate with healing in young patients. As there is significant improved long-term outcome after repair versus debridement, surgical repair is recommended, especially in young patients who have the best healing potential.