Question 1

What makes a rotator cuff tear irreparable?

Accepted Answer

Repairability is based on the size of the tear, condition of the joint, quality of the tendon, and the presence and degree of muscle atrophy.

Question 2

What treatment options are available if my rotator cuff cannot be repaired?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms can initially be treated with activity modification, medications, and injections. When definitive surgical treatment is necessary, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is generally the treatment of choice.

Question 3

Does an irreparable rotator cuff tear always require a shoulder replacement?

Accepted Answer

No. Many irreparable tears can be treated conservatively without shoulder replacement. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is generally performed when patients develop significant pain and dysfunction.

Question 4

Can I still have good shoulder function with an irreparable rotator cuff tear?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some patients maintain surprisingly good function despite an irreparable tear. Others develop increasing pain, weakness, loss of function, and arthritis in the shoulder joint over time.

Question 5

How do you decide between a rotator cuff patch and reverse shoulder replacement?

Accepted Answer

A rotator cuff patch is not a treatment for an irreparable rotator cuff tear and does not replace reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Patches are used to augment selected repairable or partial rotator cuff tears. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is used when the rotator cuff is irreparable and surgical treatment is necessary.

Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear