Biomechanics of Rotator Cuff Injury and Repair

Biomechanical behaviour of rotator cuff allows for the articular stability and, at same time, for the humeral motion. Tears of rotator cuff altered the normal biomechanics of the shoulder, leading to functional impairments. Several rotator cuff repair and treatment strategies have been proposed, with the aim to fully restore the biomechanics of the injured shoulder. To understand the biomechanical features of the normal rotator cuff and the mechanical consequences of rotator cuff tears and their repair treatment is mandatory, in order to better address this kind of shoulder pathology. This chapter provides an overview of the normal and torn rotator cuff biomechanics, followed by a description of the mechanical characteristics and effect of the main repair strategies.