At a 10-Year Follow-up, Tendon Repair Is Superior to Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Small and Medium-Sized Rotator Cuff Tears.

Background: Tendon repair and physiotherapy are frequently used treatment methods for small and medium-sized rotator cuff tears. In 2 previous publications of the 1 and 5-year results of this study, we reported significant but small between-group differences in favor of tendon repair. Long-term results are needed to assess whether the results in both groups remain stable over time.

Tendon repair compared with physiotherapy in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled study in 103 cases with a five-year follow-up.

Background: There is limited Level-I evidence that compares operative and nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears. We compared outcomes of patients treated with primary tendon repair with outcomes of those treated with physiotherapy and optional secondary tendon repair if needed.

Methods: A single-center, pragmatic, randomized controlled study with follow-ups after six months and one, two, and five years was conducted in a secondary-care institution.