Editorial Commentary: Get Ready to Download the i-Cuff App: Developing the Rotator Cuff Irreparability Equation.

Abstract

Despite extensive published literature on rotator cuff repair, it can still be difficult to predict surgical reparability. We understand that larger chronic tears with fatty infiltration are associated with a greater risk of irreparability. However, it can be difficult to accurately determine the odds of irreparability on a patient-specific level. Several ubiquitous preoperative variables can be incorporated into an "irreparability equation" to more accurately predict if the rotator cuff can be repaired, which could be of tremendous benefit to both the patient and surgeon.