We evaluated and compared the clinical results of mini-open approaches using bone tunnel and suture anchor techniques for rotator cuff repair.

We reviewed 31 cases with full thickness rotator cuff tears repaired using an arthroscopically assisted mini-open technique between February 1997 and August 1999. This study included only those patients who had a minimum follow-up of two years. Group A using bone tunnel technique was 14 cases, and group B using suture anchor technique was 17 cases. We analyzed the patients according to the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale.

Pain score improved from 2.9 preoperatively to 8.4 postoperatively in group A, and 2.6 to 8 in group B. Function score improved from 3.6 to 8.6 in group A, and 3.4 to 7.9 in group B. Strength score improved from 4 to 4.8 in group A, and 3.8 to 4.5 in group B. Overall, 85% of group A and 82% of group B had satisfactory results. However functional outcomes did not differ signifcantly between the two groups (p>0.05). And, any failures of suture anchor within the bone or "saw through "phenomenon in the bone tunnel were not observed.

Our results suggest that unless bone quality of the tuberosity is poor, both bone tunnel and suture anchor technique are useful for rotator cuff repair.