Is there a worthy alternative to partial reconstruction of irreparable rotator cuff tears?

Background Irreparable rotator cuff tears are still a challenging pathology. Several surgical techniques exist to restore the function of the glenohumeral joint and at the same time achieve a significant reduction in pain for the patient. Materials and methods Treatment options for irreparable rotator cuff tears such as partial repair, debridement, or superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) are presented. Results Partial repair, debridement, and SCR offer promising and comparable short- and mid-term results. Compared to partial repair and debridement, SCR can achieve a biomechanical situation similar to that of a native joint. Conclusion the different treatment strategies should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Partial repair leads to initially good clinical results. Modern innovative surgical techniques such as SCR show promising short-term clinical results. Future prospective comparative studies with long-term follow-up are needed to describe the sustainability of these procedures and to derive stronger recommendations.