The rotator cuff is comprised of several muscles, with tendons that stabilise the shoulder. Post-operative re-tear rates after primary surgical repair of rotator cuff tears range from 20.0-90.0%. The use of a human dermal allograft is intended for patients with a high likelihood of poor healing after repair surgery. In this report, we analysed whether human dermal allograft is more effective and safer than repair surgeries without augmentation.

One randomised controlled trial, two non-randomised controlled trials and seven single arm studies were identified. Overall, the quality of evidence for the effectiveness and safety outcomes was rated as "moderate".

At present, the evidence is insufficient to prove the technology is significantly more effective and safer than the comparator. Thus, we do not recommend the inclusion of the procedure in the Austrian hospital benefit catalogue. A re-evaluation is recommended for 2021.