Arthroscopic Palmaris Longus Tendon Bridging for Augmented Repair of Bursal-Sided Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears.

Abstract

The management of bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears remains controversial. Both transtendon repair preserving the residual tendon and conversion to full-thickness repair yield satisfactory outcomes. However, treating bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears with significant tendon retraction because of delamination is challenging. Direct repair of the retracted bursal layer under high tension results in a high retear rate. The purpose of this technical note is to describe an arthroscopic method using the palmaris longus tendon for augmented repair of bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, aiming to promote biological healing and reduce the retear rate.