Rotator cuff repair: what works in 2025

Abstract

Rotator cuff repair is one of the most frequently performed shoulder surgeries worldwide. Rotator cuff surgery evolved from open to arthroscopic between 1995 and 2005. Significant advances in mechanisms of cuff healing and failure have changed our approach to arthroscopic cuff repairs, and newer basic science studies have added a biological perspective to existing surgical techniques. Massive and retracted tears, previously considered irreparable, are now salvageable, and joint preservation is once again gaining popularity. This editorial presents a summary of ‘trending’ techniques for management of cuff tears and outlines the preferred technique of the authors.