80 patients suffering from a tear in their rotator cuff were randomized to receive either a standard single row tendon repair or a standard tendon repair including microfracture of the greater tuberosity (a marrow-stimulating technique). Results indicated similar Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores at a mean follow-up of 28.1 +/- 3 months and similar tendon healing (or structural integrity) at 1 year post-surgery between groups. However, for larger tears (those involving supraspinatus and infraspinatus), improved healing was observed in the microfracture group.