Advice From Harvard Health Publishing: What Happens If The Rotator Cuff Is Not Repaired?

Rotator Cuff Tear image

Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling

M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA

Repair of the rotator cuff is usually considered for someone with a torn rotator cuff (and not for most other rotator cuff problems). When considering rotator cuff repair, the general health and activity level of the person matters. For an athlete who is pursuing a return to competition, a completely torn rotator cuff will usually require repair. Otherwise, pain and/or weakness can be expected to continue. For an inactive person who puts little stress on the shoulder, deferring repair may be a reasonable and well-tolerated approach. The outcome of foregoing repair of a torn rotator cuff also depends on the cause, duration and severity of the rotator cuff problem: A sudden, complete tear of the rotator cuff may cause chronic pain and/or weakness of the affected shoulder until it is repaired. However, muscles and tendons outside the rotator cuff may compensate to some degree. In addition, if the tear has been present for many years and symptoms are mild, repair may not be necessary. A partial (or “incomplete”) tear of the rotator cuff may improve over time without repair though pain medications, physical therapy and cortisone injections may be recommended. If pain and poor shoulder function persist despite these measures, surgical repair may be the best option. In the absence of a tear, symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis or degeneration (“tendinopathy”) often remain stable or improve with time and conservative (non-surgical) treatment. These conditions do not routinely require repair.

→ Learn more about rotator cuff tear: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.