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Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 5/2020

01-10-2020 | Painful Arc | Surgical Management of Massive Irreparable Cuff Tears (J Sanchez-Sotelo, Section Editor)

Factors Influencing the Reparability and Healing Rates of Rotator Cuff Tears

Authors: Andrew R. Jensen, Adam J. Taylor, Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 5/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

To discuss tear- and patient-related factors that influence the healing potential of rotator cuff tears and to clarify the terminology surrounding this topic.

Recent Findings

Over the last few years, further insight has been gained regarding rotator cuff tear features that are associated with poor healing rates after rotator cuff repair. Some of these features have been incorporated in prediction models developed to accurately predict rotator cuff healing rates utilizing preoperative risk factors weighted by importance.

Summary

Rotator cuff tears may be considered functionally irreparable based on their size, chronicity, absence of adequate tendon length, atrophy, and fatty infiltration. Furthermore, advanced age, use of tobacco products, diabetes, and other patient-related factors may impair tendon healing. Careful analysis and discussion of all these factors with patients is essential to determine if surgical repair of a rotator cuff tear should be recommended, or if it is best to proceed with one of the several salvage procedures reviewed in this topical collection, including augmentation of the repair, superior capsular reconstruction, tendon transfers, and other.
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Metadata
Title
Factors Influencing the Reparability and Healing Rates of Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors
Andrew R. Jensen
Adam J. Taylor
Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo
Publication date
01-10-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Painful Arc
Published in
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 5/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09660-w

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