Outcome at 3 to 5 years of a treatment algorithm for rotator cuff tears in an elderly population

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of a conservative approach of rotator cuff tears in an elderly population at 3 to 5 years of follow-up. Prospective comparative study. All patients started with a program of exercises of at least 1 to 3 months. When no satisfying results for pain relief and ADL were achieved, surgery for cuff tear repair was offered. Patients were contacted after 3 to 5 years for evaluation by questionnaire, an ultrasound and a strength measurement exam. 97 patients (104 shoulders) with a mean age of 68,5 years were included. 47.1% of shoulders were treated conservatively whereas 52.9% switched to surgical treatment. Evaluation after 3 to 5 years showed no significant difference between type of treatment and post treatment test scores (Constant score, SF12v2, OSS and WORC). Delaying surgery for 3 months does not seem to influence outcome negatively.