Editorial Commentary: A Bridge to Nowhere?…Do Patches Help Improve Our Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Abstract

Patches have been used in a variety of ways to improve outcomes after repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears. Some authors have advocated using these patch grafts as augmentation, whereas other authors have used them as bridging tissue from the rotator cuff to the tuberosity. A recent study reports a well-written systematic review on healing rates and outcomes of the 2 different graft indications, showing no significant differences in healing. I do think that, equally as important, this study highlights the lack of well-designed studies on the use of patches in rotator cuff surgery.