56 patients (58 shoulders), with rotator cuff (RC) tear and acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis were randomized to two groups that either underwent RC repair with distal clavicle resection, or isolated RC repair without distal clavicle resection. AC joint tenderness, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Constant shoulder score, Visual analog scale (VAS), range of motion, patient satisfaction and MRI were among outcomes evaluated at 2 year follow-up. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in these clinical evaluations or the incidence of re-tear on MRI between the two groups.