If the patient decides on non-operative treatment, physicians should routinely monitor their tear size, especially if they remain symptomatic, say the study authors. They examined 61 rotator cuff tears, and after a two-year follow-up, 49 percent of the tears increased in size.
For 25 percent of the shoulders, a new full-thickness rotator cuff tear was diagnosed at the follow-up. There was no correlation between the change in tear size and the age of the patient or the existence of a prior trauma.
Read the abstract on rotator cuff tears.
Read other coverage on rotator cuffs:
– AAOS: Guideline and Recommendations on Rotator Cuff Repair
– Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Great Outcomes for Patients Over 70
– AOSSM: PRP Ineffective for Rotator Cuff Healing
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
