Is Arthroscopic Debridement an Effective Treatment Option for Rotator Cuff Arthropathy?

Rotator cuff arthropathy is often associated with disabling pain and shoulder dysfunction. When non operative treatment options have failed, reverse shoulder replacement is usually indicated. Alternative treatment options may be prudent in younger patients, those with multiple co morbidities compromising surgical options, or those unable to comply with postoperative rehabilitation. There is little guidance in the literature regarding the role of arthroscopic glenohumeral joint debridement for the treatment of rotator cuff tear arthropathy. In the absence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, arthroscopic debridement of irreparable rotator cuff tears affords sustained pain relief and improved range of motion [1-6]. Conversely, when the rotator cuff is intact, investigators have noted that arthroscopic debridement of mild to moderate glenohumeral osteoarthritis can produce pain relief and improved range of motion [7-12]. The purpose of our study was to determine the subjective and clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridementin patients with rotator cuff arthropathy refractory to non operative management.