Managing irreparable rotator cuff tears requires comprehensive approaches to improve patient outcomes: study

Dr Supreeth  D R

Managing irreparable rotator cuff tears requires comprehensive approaches to improve patient outcomes: study

Written By : Dr Supreeth D R Published On 2025-10-22T22:45:10+05:30 | Updated On 22 Oct 2025 10:45 PM IST

Managing irreparable rotator cuff tears in orthopedic care requires comprehensive approaches to improve patient outcomes: study

Rotator cuff tears (RTC) are a common cause of shoulder pain in adults, with massive and irreparable tears presenting significant treatment challenges. Addressing these tears effectively is crucial for improving patient outcomes. In-Ho Jeon et al conducted a study to review recent advancements in the surgical management of irreparable rotator cuff tears. The article has been published in ‘Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.’

Based on Neer’s consensus, the Delphi method, RTC is considered irreparable when a more significant than two-tendon tear retracted to the glenoid rim measured in the coronal or axial plane.

This review examines both non-surgical and surgical approaches for managing irreparable RTCs. Non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, are considered for less severe tears, while surgical options are categorized into non prosthetic and prosthetic procedures, with an emphasis on recent advancements.

The key findings of the study were:

• Surgical interventions for irreparable rotator cuff tears (RTC) include non-prosthetic procedures such as debridement, partial repair, marginal convergence, tendon transfer, interposition graft, subacromial balloon spacer, and superior capsular reconstruction.

• Additionally, prosthetic surgery options include reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

• Recent innovations in surgical techniques and technologies have enhanced treatment outcomes, allowing for more personalized approaches to managing irreparable RTC.

• These advancements have improved both functional recovery and patient satisfaction.

• Author preferred algorithm is discussed in article.

The authors concluded that – “Managing irreparable rotator cuff tears in orthopedic care requires comprehensive approaches to improve patient outcomes. Non-surgical options should be considered for sedentary patients with low demand, while surgical options depend on glenohumeral arthritis. For patients with advanced glenohumeral arthritis, prosthetic replacement is beneficial, while reconstruction surgery is beneficial for patients with high demand.”

MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS

Dr Supreeth D R (MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS) is a practicing orthopedician with interest in medical research and publishing articles. He completed MBBS from mysore medical college, dip ortho from Trivandrum medical college and sec. DNB from Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. He has expirence of 7years in the field of orthopedics. He has presented scientific papers & posters in various state, national and international conferences. His interest in writing articles lead the way to join medical dialogues. He can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.