Surgical treatment of rupture of the rotator cuff tendon.

A total of 55 tears of the rotator cuff tendon were surgically treated at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, during the period 1960-1970. The rate of operative treatment was about 12 per cent. When more than half a year had elapsed since the accident, excision of the acromion was almost the only operative procedure carried out (10/12 patients). Excision of the acromion was performed as the only procedure in 16 cases and in connection with surgical repair of the rotator cuff tendon in 20 cases. This operation brings relief of nocturnal pain, but it is harmful in the treatment of large tears when used alone and sometimes also in connection with surgical repair of the rotator cuff tendon. Surgical repair of the lesion seems to give the best results, provided it is performed within 1 month of the injury.