Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
Clinical results of arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement and decompression in 25 patients are presented. Additionally, a fluoroscopic study of 14 patients with known massive rotator cuff tears reveals four kinematic patterns in patients with major cuff deficiencies. Biomechanical models are used to support further the clinical impression that certain rotator cuff tears are amenable to arthroscopic debridement and decompression without repair. Specific indications for arthroscopic debridement and decompression are developed and presented.