Advances in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears: Exploring How Arthroscopic Repair Techniques, Tendon Augmentation, and Rehabilitation Protocols Are Enhancing Functional Recovery and Reducing Reinjury Rates
1Dr Kishore Kumar khatri, 2Dr Muhammad Azeem Akhund, 3Mobeen Ali, 4Ali Raza, 5Mohib Ali, 6Hadi Raza
1Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, PUMHS Nawabshah
2Associste Professor Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, PUMHS Nawabshah
3PIMS, 4UHS Lahore, 5PIMS, 6PIMS
Vol 15-02
Submission: 10th January 2025, Acceptance: 8th September 2025, Publication: 13th October 2025
Abstract
Background: Rotator cuff tear is a prevalent pathology, more frequent in athletes and elder clients resulting in severe pain, functional limitation and reduced quality of life. Conservative therapy and open surgical treatments have proved constrained by elevated reinjury rates and marginal salvaging. Newer methods of arthroscopic treatment, such as double row technique, use of other tendon, and the changing course of rehabilitation are likely to enhance the experience of patients with rotator cuff tears.
Aim: The purpose of this article is to review those treatment interventions for their ability to optimise functional outcome following rotator cuff repair, minimise common mechanisms of failure and improve patient satisfaction.
Method: In the present study, a prospective cohort study design was used; however, only patients with full-thornless rotator cuff tears were enrolled. Both arthroscopic repair and tendon augmentation procedures were performed among participants and then compared based on assessed functional outcomes, rehabilitation, and reinjury rates as well as patient satisfaction. Several aspects of rehabilitation after the surgery were also assessed, including early mobilisation compared to early strengthening.
Results: Outcomes following advanced arthroscopic repairs including double row suture bridge repair showed substantial increases in range of motion, decrease in pain and ability to lead normal lives. Tendon augmentation reduced reinjury rates even further; of 17 patients, only 1 sustained another tear and patients were more satisfied. Faster recovery from the surgery was attributed to the new rehabilitation programs of early mobilization, besides decreased post-operative complications.
Conclusion: Medical developments in rotator cuff repair which are more recent are arthroscopic surgery, tendon reinforcement, and specific rehabilitation regimen of the repair which was not previously used in earlier techniques. These innovations prevent high rerate, increase functional outcome, and increase patients’ satisfaction. The future studies should exhibit concern in improving these methods and extend them to relatively recent fields like regenerative medicine and robotics. Keywords: Rotator cuff tear, arthroscopic repair, tendon augmentation, rehabilitation protocols, functional recovery, reinjury rates, patient satisfaction.