Single-tendon tears of the rotator cuff. Evaluation and treatment of subscapularis tears and principles of treatment for supraspinatus tears.

Successful surgical treatment of single-tendon tears, which involve the supraspinatus or the subscapularis requires careful attention to technical details. In supraspinatus tears, careful mobilization and secure repair of the tendon will usually give a good outcome. In subscapularis tears, the diagnosis is not difficult if one carefully evaluates the patient for the classic pathognomonic findings of such a tear. If the tear is confirmed by CT or MR imaging and an acute repair is performed, the outcome is usually satisfactory.