Natural History of Nonoperatively Treated Symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears in Patients 60 Years Old or Younger

Abstract

Full-thickness rotator cuff tears tend to increase in size in about half of patients aged 60 years or younger. Surgery should be initially considered in these patients to prevent a probable increase in size tear. Patients treated nonoperatively should be routinely monitored for tear size increase, especially if they remain symptomatic.