2001 Volume 25 Issue 3 Pages 409-413
A full-thickness rotator cuff tear is uncommon in3decades of life. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical results of surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears in patients younger than age 40.
We performed a retrospective analysis of the case of 8 consecutive patients under the age of 40 treated surgically. The mean age of the patients was 31.0 years, there were 5 males and 3 females. Afullthickness tear was found in 5 and a partial-thickness tear in 3. The average follow-upwas 19.9months. They were evaluated according to the JOA shoulder scores.
The JOA shoulder score had improved from 70.1 points to 93.0 points postoperatively. Seven of the 8patients showed satisfactory pain relief. All the cases were able to function with their arms above shoulder level with minimal or no compromise. Six of the 7 patients have returned to their preinjury performances.
The surgical results of rotator cuff tears in patients younger than 40 years of age, a good outcome was obtained. Especially in activity of daily living and sports activities.
