Patch Augmentation for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

ABSTRACT

Rotator cuff tears commonly affect the shoulder joints. Despite developments in surgical techniques and instrumentation, the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears remains challenging. The problems associated with rotator cuff repairs, such as inferior mechanical properties and high retear rates are yet to be solved. Recently, patch augmentation has been suggested as an alternative treatment because it can reinforce mechanical properties at the initial stage of healing and reduce gap formation. The purpose of this article was to comprehensively summarize the concepts and the consensus surrounding patch augmentation and evaluate the clinical and anatomical outcomes after patch augmentation for massive rotator cuff tears.