Editorial Commentary: Critical Shoulder Angle: Perhaps Not So "Critical" for Clinical Outcomes Following Rotator Cuff Repair

Abstract

The critical shoulder angle (CSA) has been associated with the development of rotator cuff pathology. More recent studies have also identified a correlation between an increased CSA and recurrent tears after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Although this observation is significant, several studies have failed to identify a correlation between CSA and clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair. As a result, the usefulness of this measurement, and the need to address it with lateral acromioplasty, remains ill defined. Further research is required to demonstrate an association between CSA and clinical outcomes before treatment algorithms should be altered.