General surgical principles of open rotator cuff repair in the management of failed arthroscopic cuff repairs.

: Open management of failed rotator cuff repair is currently rare because of the advancements in arthroscopic techniques in rotator cuff surgery. Minimally invasive arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff injuries has eclipsed the traditional open approach at most institutions around the world. Many residents complete their training in orthopaedic surgery without exposure to traditional open rotator cuff repair. When open repair is chosen, an understanding of the necessary preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques, and postoperative care regimens will provide patients with the best possible outcomes.