title: Comparison of the epidemiology and outcomes of traumatic and nontraumatic rotator cuff tears.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the epidemiology and outcomes of traumatic and nontraumatic rotator cuff tears.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-three patients with traumatic and 46 with nontraumatic rotator cuff tears were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of injury to the long head of the biceps was significantly higher in the traumatic group. Preoperative active forward elevation was significantly lower in the traumatic group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outcomes of both groups were good. This may have been because milder preoperative muscle atrophy and a shorter duration of symptoms were observed in the traumatic group.
authors.affiliation: Ouryouji Orthopaedic Hospital, 162 Hosono,Kobayashi, Miyazaki 886-0004, Japan.
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Teratani
keywords: Epidemiology; Long head of biceps; Non-traumatic rotator cuff tear; Range of motion; Traumatic rotator cuff tear