100 patients scheduled for arthroscopy repair of a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear were randomized to either in situ repair, or completion of the tear followed by repair. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months postoperatively for clinical scores for pain and function, as well as MRI to assess tendon integrity and retear rate. Results demonstrated no significant differences between groups in either the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) Score, the Constant score, the Simple Shoulder Test, and a visual analog scale for pain at 3, 6 or 12 months postoperatively. Retear rate did not significantly differ between groups in articular-sided tears, but retear rate was significantly lower in the in situ group among bursal-sided tears.