Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the types and frequencies of arthroscopically repaired full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs). The study aims to examine the tendons and tear shapes affected by the tear.

Methods : The data of 240 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair due to full-thickness RCTs between March 2021 and June 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. According to intraoperative findings, rotator cuff tears were classified by examining according to tear size, tear morphology, and affected tendon. Statistical analysis was used to determine frequency distributions, age, and tear correlations.

Results: The results of 240 patients (123 females, 117 males) were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 61.22 ± 6.2 years. The most common tear morphology was crescent-shaped tears (56.3%), followed by U-shaped tears (20.8%). Complex, U- and L-shaped tears were significantly associated with larger-sized tears (p < 0.05). The most common form of tendon involvement was isolated supraspinatus tears (63.3%). Medium-sized (1-3 cm) tears (36.7%) were the most common, followed by small-sized (<1 cm) tears (34.2%). The incidence of massive tears ( >5 cm ) in elderly patients was high (p<0.01), with an incidence rate 8.3% in total.

Conclusion: The most common full-thickness RCTs repaired arthroscopically are medium-sized crescent-shaped supraspinatus tears. Advanced age and the size of the tear are positively correlated. A clear understanding of the type and size of the tear provides a guide for the surgical technique to be applied and is important in the prognosis.

Key words: morphology; prevalence; rotator cuff tear; size