Purpose of review: To outline the radiographic and clinical outcomes after a rotator cuff surgery in order to set the expectations with the patient before the surgery to obtain a better outcome, taking into account the factors that can affect the outcome and the technique used for the repair.
Recent findings: The majority of surgeons use arthroscopic repair. The double-row repair has better biomechanical strength, footprint coverage, and radiographic healing rates. The principal factors that can affect the outcome of the surgery are the tendon quality, tear size and retraction, fatty infiltration, chronicity of the tear, and concomitant pathologies. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can decrease pain and increase function allowing patients to improve their quality of life; 90% of patients are happy 6 months after the surgery and maintain stability during 5 years. Greater preoperative expectations would show better outcomes and patient satisfaction after the surgery.
Keywords: Arthroscopic repair; Expectations; Outcomes; Radiographic outcomes; Rotator cuff repair; Shoulder surgery.