100 patients scheduled for arthroscopic repair of a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear were randomized to either an in situ repair or completion of the tear followed by repair. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months postoperatively for clinical scores of pain and function, and 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 over the first year after surgery. 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.