Rotator cuff debridement is an arthroscopic procedure to smooth and trim a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear, removing damaged tissue and stimulating healing, without performing a full repair.
Performed arthroscopically through small incisions. The partial tear is identified. The frayed, damaged tendon tissue is trimmed back to a stable edge using a shaver. If the tear involves more than 50% of the tendon thickness, conversion to a full repair may be performed. Subacromial decompression may be done at the same time if there is associated impingement. The operation takes 30–45 minutes.
Debridement is considered for low-grade partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (less than 50% thickness) causing pain that has not responded to physiotherapy and injection, and in older or lower-demand patients where a full repair may not be necessary.
Physiotherapy (rotator cuff and scapular stabiliser strengthening), subacromial corticosteroid injection, activity modification. Most partial tears improve with non-operative management.
MRI to assess tear thickness. Day-case procedure.
Pain relief from removing the frayed tissue and associated bursitis. Approximately 75–85% of patients with low-grade partial tears report good outcomes.
Not all patients achieve complete relief.
The partial tear may progress to a full-thickness tear over time.
Temporary shoulder stiffness.
Debridement weakens the remaining tendon. The tear may complete.
Painful stiffness.
Shoulder joint infection.
General anaesthesia with nerve block.
Sling for one to two weeks for comfort. Active movement from the first week. Rotator cuff strengthening from four to six weeks. Return to sport at six to eight weeks. Full recovery two to three months.
Review at six weeks.
Partial tears can progress to full-thickness tears over time, regardless of whether debridement is performed. Maintaining rotator cuff strength through exercises helps protect the remaining tendon.