Results of Rotator Cuff Repair

There is a higher risk of rotator cuff tears following dislocation when the individual is greater than 40 years old. Rotator cuff tears after dislocation of the shoulder are more of a challenge to repair particularly if there is a delay in diagnosis. Clinical experience would suggest that rotator cuff repair within the first month of injury allows for better results in acute rotator cuff tears without shoulder dislocation. There are no reported results for rotator cuff repairs following shoulder dislocation and timing of repair. If we find that early repair provides better results this will be important for Primary Care Providers and Emergency Department physicians to refer these patients early for evaluation and subsequently earlier treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• age 35 years or older with acute rotator cuff tear following documented shoulder dislocation requiring reduction, subjects sustained acute rotator cuff tear following shoulder dislocation that was treated surgically with open and/or arthroscopic technique between January 1, 2001 and June 1, 2011, surgical intervention within 6 months of dislocation, minimum follow up time of one year from surgery.

Exclusion criteria

• rotator cuff tears without shoulder dislocation, known previous rotator cuff disease, history of other trauma to the shoulder, inability to provide informed consent, other suspect pathology (ie: tumor, infection).