Prospective MRI study of 174 symptomatic rotator cuff tears managed nonoperatively at a single institution, asking which patient and tear characteristics predict tear size progression over a mean 19-month follow-up.
When choosing nonoperative management for a symptomatic rotator cuff tear, prioritize serial MRI surveillance in medium-sized, full-thickness tears in patients who smoke — these are your highest-risk combinations for progression regardless of age or activity level.
Counsel patients that a progressing tear often remains painless, so absence of new symptoms does not mean the tear is stable.
Prospective MRI study of 174 symptomatic rotator cuff tears managed nonoperatively at a single institution, asking which patient and tear characteristics predict tear size progression over a mean 19-month follow-up.
When choosing nonoperative management for a symptomatic rotator cuff tear, prioritize serial MRI surveillance in medium-sized, full-thickness tears in patients who smoke — these are your highest-risk combinations for progression regardless of age or activity level.
Counsel patients that a progressing tear often remains painless, so absence of new symptoms does not mean the tear is stable.