Incidence of rotator cuff tears in shoulder dislocations and results of therapy in older patients.
BACKGROUND
In older patients we documented the incidence of additional injuries in shoulder dislocations in a non-randomised, prospective study and compared the results of conservative and of operative therapy of rotator cuff tears.


METHODS
Between 1993 and 1999 a total of 87 patients were prospectively enrolled. In the case of documented tears of the rotator cuff in combination with symptoms persisting after conservative therapy patients were free to decide between surgical and conservative treatment. Patients were monitored for function, subjective stability, and satisfaction over a minimum follow-up period of 1 year.


RESULTS
In 54% of the patients enrolled a cuff tear was documented; the frequency increased with advancing age to 100% in patients over the age of 70. Surgical treatment of the cuff tears resulted in better function and satisfaction. There were three recurrences in the conservative treatment group, while no recurrences were documented in surgically treated patients. The significant benefit of cuff repair was confirmed by regression analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
In this selected patient group, we believe surgical repair of the symptomatic rotator cuff tear should be discussed with the patient.
Simank
H-G
HG
Orthopädische Gemeinschaftspraxis, Orthopädisches Centrum Nordbayern, Eppenreuther Strasse 28, 95032 Hof, Germany. hans-georg.simank@t-online.de
Dauer
G
G
Schneider
S
S
Loew
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology