Mini-Open Rotator Cuff Repair

Open shoulder procedures require a deltoid release for proper exposure. Arthroscopic techniques have progressed so that minimally invasive techniques give similar outcomes asmore formal open procedures with less risk of morbidity. Arthroscopically assisted open rotator cuff repair offers advantages over open procedures with some diagnostic and decompression performed with the arthroscope. The mini-open technique has more aspects of a cuff repair performed through the arthroscope leaving a few steps to be done open. The modern use of arthroscopic techniques for minimally invasive rotator cuff surgery coupled with advances in rehabilitation is discussed. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 15(3):145–153, 2006)