Rotator Cuff Tendon Adhesion to the Acromial Undersurface: Identification and Management Techniques

Identifying and mobilizing rotator cuff tissue during arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair can be challenging. A particularly complex situation is encountered when rotator cuff tendons become adhered to surrounding bony structures. Tendon adherence to the undersurface of the acromion may occur after rotator cuff repair, especially when concurrent acromioplasty was carried out during the index procedure. This adhered and retracted rotator cuff tissue may be difficult to both recognize and mobilize, once identified, arthroscopically. The authors present a technique that can aid in both identifying and lateralizing this adhered rotator cuff tissue within the subacromial space.