100 patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tear were randomized to receive surgical repair using either an in situ repair technique or tear completion repair technique. The purpose of the study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the two surgical techniques, and determine if in situ repair results in improved function of the rotator cuff. No significant differences in pain, function, or range of motion were noted at any time point between the two groups. The overall incidence of retear did not differ significantly between groups, but favoured in situ repair. When looking exclusively at bursal-sided tears, the retear rate was significantly higher in the tear completion group.