Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using triple-loaded anchors, suture shuttles, and suture savers

Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears is an effective and straightforward technique when performed in an organized, well-considered manner. We carefully developed our technique over many years, but it is not the only one capable of achieving excellent results. We encourage anyone interested in making the transition to arthroscopy to practice his or her technique outside the operating room on shoulder models or cadaveric specimens. With practice and experience, the numerous, seemingly complex steps can be learned and logically understood. The surgeon can identify and correct suture management pitfalls, learn dexterity with the instruments, perfect knot-tying, and develop a general comfort level with the anatomy. These skills, learned and perfected outside the operating room, will significantly reduce the number of disruptions that can occur inside the operating room. Copyright 2007 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.