Traumatic cuff tears: The relevance of timing

Abstract

Acute full-thickness rotator cuff tears occur in previously asymptomatic patients who, after a specific traumatic event, experience sudden onset of pain and lack of active movement of the shoulder girdle. Acute, traumatic, full-thickness rotator cuff tears, with immediate weakness and pain, account for only 8% of those who present with symptomatic rotator cuff tears. Early diagnosis is challenging, and thus, the true prevalence and incidence are not completely understood. Tendon healing has been shown to be associated with better strength and functional outcome. Despite advances in surgical techniques, the rate of failure is still high; however, the majority of studies on the matter have shown that early surgical repairs seem to be related to better clinical outcomes.