Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear develops as a result of chronic impingement that has lead to degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons. It is important to appreciate that only abnormal tendons tear and that normal tendons are stronger than bone. Rotator cuff tears can develop without any significant injury as part of the aging process. There seems to be an inherited genetic predisposition that is associated with an increased risk of rotator cuff rupture. The commonest tendon to tear is that of the supraspinatus muscle followed by the infraspinatus muscle. The subscapularis tendon is least commonly torn. Repair is only possible at an early stage when the tendon has not retracted and there is a significant re-tear rate even after a perfectly adequate repair due to the intrinsic tendon degenerative disease.
