Double-Row Repair Improves Outcomes for Large Rotator Cuff Tears but Offers No Advantage for Small-to-Medium Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
ArthroscopyAug 24, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOrthopedic Surgery
Hyun-Gyu Seok, Jeong-Jin Park, Sam-Guk Park
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 18 randomized controlled trials involving 1308 patients to compare outcomes of single-row (SR) versus double-row (DR) arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. The DR technique showed significantly lower retear rates and better functional scores for large tears (≥30 mm), while SR repairs had shorter operative times. The DR group had an overall retear rate odds ratio of 1.88.
Key findings
- DR repairs had a lower overall retear rate (OR = 1.88) compared to SR repairs.
- Patients in the DR group showed better University of California Los Angeles scores (SMD = -0.28).
- Forward flexion was significantly improved in the DR group (SMD = -0.38).
- SR repairs resulted in shorter operative times (SMD = -0.74).
Why it matters
Understanding the comparative effectiveness of SR and DR techniques for rotator cuff repairs can guide orthopedic surgeons in selecting the appropriate surgical approach based on tear size, potentially improving patient outcomes and resource utilization.