Short-term Outcomes of Arthroscopic Debridement and Selected Acromioplasty of Bursal- vs Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears of Less Than 50%

BACKGROUND: While it is believed that good results can be achieved by arthroscopic debridement of partial-thickness tears (PTTs) of <50% tendon thickness, few studies have directly compared the treatment of articular- versus bursal-sided PTTs of <50%. PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative outcomes of patients with articular- versus bursal-sided PTTs of <50% tendon thickness that were treated with arthroscopic debridement and selective acromioplasty (for type II or III acromions). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: An analysis was performed with data from 76 consecutive patients diagnosed with a PTT <50% tendon width (Ellman grade II) who had undergone arthroscopic debridement and selective acromioplasty (for type II or III acromions). Outcome measures included the short version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the relative Constant-Murley score, as well as strength of the affected shoulder. A statistical paired t test (preoperative vs 2 years postoperative) and an independent t test were utilized to compare outcomes between patients with bursal- and articular-sided tears. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2010, there were 40 (53%) articular- and 36 (47%) bursal-sided tears treated with debridement and selective acromioplasty. The mean patient age was 55 years (range, 36-77 years) for the bursal group and 56 years (range, 33-81 years) for the articular group. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range, 22-26 months). Both groups showed significant improvement in the short version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and relative Constant-Murley score 2 years after surgery (P < .0001) as well as in strength (P < .0001 for bursal tears, P = .006 for articular tears). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in any of the postoperative outcome measures at 2 years. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that good outcomes can be achieved with arthroscopic debridement and selective acromioplasty among patients with articular- or bursal-sided PTT of <50% tendon thickness. No difference was observed between groups at 2-year follow-up.