Massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears: Defining the problem

Abstract

Massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears remain a major challenge in shoulder surgery [1]. Due to pain, loss of range of motion, and insufficient function, these tears significantly affect the patients' quality of daily living [1]. Representing up to 40% of all rotator cuff tears, massive tears are associated with persistent defects and poorer clinical outcomes [2, 3]. Imbalance of the force couples results in unstable kinematics of the glenohumeral joint, causing the remaining shoulder function to be sustained by a significantly increased compensatory deltoid force [4, 5].