Introduction:

there is limited evidence comparing arthroscopy’s clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes versus the mini-open approach for treating partial and complete rotator cuff (MRC) injuries.

Objective:

to compare the arthroscopic vs mini-open approach’s clinical, functional, and radiological results in the repair of MRC injuries.

Material and methods:

we conducted a retrospective study of 165 patients; 55 were treated with arthroscopy and 110 with mini-open. The UCLA and ASES scores were used to evaluate clinical outcomes; muscle strength was measured with a myometer. Radiographic evaluation was performed with NMR. Data were collected before the procedure and at 6, 12, and 18 months.

Results:

the UCLA and ASES scores were higher in group A at 12 months (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001). Group A patients had greater muscle strength at 12 months. However, this difference was lost at 18 months. There were no differences in the rate of residual lesions by MRI at 18 months.

Conclusion:

the arthroscopic approach to repairing rotator cuff injuries has clinical and functional outcomes similar to the mini-open approach.