Editorial Commentary: Bone Marrow Stimulation or Microfracture May Not Enhance the Success of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Bone Marrow Stimulation (BMS) is intended to provide a very low-cost, local source of marrow elements to improve healing and outcomes following rotator cuff repair. However, meta-analysis does not show that this results in improvement in rotator cuff tear outcomes or healing (as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound). That said, some studies do show lower retear rates with BMS; thus, when faced with challenged biology, this low-cost and low-risk solution may still have merit.

Editorial Commentary: Patients 75 Years and Older Achieve Rotator Cuff Repair Outcome Similar to Younger Patients with Proper Surgical Indications.

Recent research shows that similar early outcomes can be expected after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients 75 years or older compared to a propensity-matched group under age 75 years. Retear rates are similar. Yet, younger patients show greater range of motion and strength. Proper patient selection is vital; it may be that older patients are indicated for rotator cuff repair surgery with less frequency.