Editorial Commentary: Partial (Shoulder Rotator) Cuff Repair: May the Force (Couple) Be With You.

Abstract

Partial repair of a shoulder rotator cuff tear, in the face of an otherwise massive or "irreparable" tear, is an effective treatment for reducing patient pain and improving function. Partial repair restores balance to the force couple composed of the infraspinatus and teres minor posteriorly and the subscapularis anteriorly. A balanced force couple maintains centralization of the humeral head on the glenoid during shoulder range of motion and, in nonarthritic patients with massive or irreparable tears, is better than no repair at all.