OBJECTIVE:To investigate the surgical method and clinical results of arthroscopic rotator cuff suturing for rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Arthroscopic rotator cuff suture was performed on 27 patients with rotator cuff tears from December 2002 to October 2005. 25 cases were followed up for more than 1 year, including 12 males and 13 females; age ranged from 35 to 67 years, with an average age of 54.3 years. There were 6 cases in the left shoulder and 19 cases in the right shoulder, involving 19 cases on the dominant side. 10 cases had partial tears on the bursal side, 1 case had partial tears on both the bursal and articular sides, and 14 cases had total tears. Preoperative orthopantomogram and supraspinatus exit radiographs were taken in all cases, 21 cases were examined by ultrasound, and 23 cases were examined by MRI or MRA. In all cases, subacromial bursal resection and anterior acromioplasty were performed. The rotator cuff was repaired by direct end sutures in one case, suture anchors were used for rotator cuff stop reconstruction in 15 cases, and a combination of end sutures and suture anchors were used in 9 cases. The UCLA shoulder score criteria were used for evaluation at preoperative and final follow-up, respectively. RESULTS: The follow-up time ranged from 1 to 3 years with a mean of 23 months. The mean postoperative UCLA score was 32.3±2.3. The mean pre- and postoperative pain scores were 2.6±0.9 versus 8.6±1.4 (P=0.000), the mean functional scores were 5.0±1.8 versus 9.1±1.0 (P=0.000), the mean active forward flexion scores of the shoulder were 3.6±1.5 versus 4.9±0.3 (P=0.000), the mean forward flexion muscle strength scores were 4.0±0.6 versus 4.7±0.5 ( P=0.000), with all differences being statistically significant. Eight cases were excellent and 17 cases were good. All patients expressed satisfaction with the surgical results. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic rotator cuff suturing is an effective method for the treatment of rotator cuff tears. The bleeding should be effectively controlled during the operation, the acromioplasty should be performed moderately, the shape of the tear should be correctly identified, the adhesions should be fully released and the appropriate suture should be used. The surgery is less invasive and recovery is quick. Its efficacy can reach the level of incisional surgery.