MATERIALS AND METHODS

A partial-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon com-monly occurs at the upper portion of the intra-articular surface.25 Although a partial tear of the intra-articular portion of the subscapularis tendon can be an isolated lesion, it is more commonly associated with other lesions, such as a biceps or a supraspinatus tendon tear.14,15 Because a partial tear of the intra-articular portion of the subscapularis tendon is mainly detected by arthroscopic examination, its incidence and methods of treatment are not known. It is the authors ’ opinion that a small tear can be treated by debridement and a significant tear should be repaired. Although arthroscopic repair of a partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon has been introduced,3,18 results of the repair of a partial tear of the subscapularis tendon have not been reported. Therefore, we undertook the present study to present an arthroscopic surgical technique for the intra-articular repair of an articular surface partial-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon and to evaluate its surgical outcome