Five year results of rotator cuff repair.

In thirty nine patients with either an acute rotator cuff rupture or a chronic impingement syndrome plus a cuff tear, a standard acromioplasty was performed along with a cuff repair using a bone detaching approach. Postoperative active motion was allowed in all but three. Follow up examination was performed two and five years after the operation. Continuous improvement in function, range of movement, and strength was observed, while pain increased slightly. The size of the tear and delay in treatment were determining factors in the outcome.