Rotator cuff tears are among the most common disorders affecting the upper extremity, particularly in patients over age 50. They may manifest with pain, weakness, or disability and can be extremely debilitating in active individuals. The goals of treatment are to restore strength and function with resolution of pain. Although nonoperative treatment may be beneficial in selected patients, surgery is often indicated in order to restore strength and function. Newer repair techniques, such as those involving double-row configurations, may offer improved biology and anatomic reduction of the tendon to the tuberosity footprint.

Double-row rotator cuff repair requires adequate debridement and preparation of the host footprint on the greater tuberosity. A medial row of anchors provides initial reduction to the tuberosity. The sutures are then passed (with or without knot tying) through a second, lateralized anchor, in order to restore the anatomic rotator cuff/footprint relationship.