Rotator cuff injuries.

The rotator cuff lends stability to the glenohumeral joint and provides active motion. The cuff is susceptible to attritional disease, and as a result, injuries tend to fall into an age-related spectrum. Symptoms and treatment vary with the severity of the injury. Full-thickness cuff tears are suspected clinically, diagnosed by arthrography, and treated surgically by decompressing the impingement interval and repairing the defect. Postoperative care includes six weeks of immobilization, followed by an intensive physiotherapy program designed to regain shoulder range of motion, strength, and functional use. First-time surgery is associated with 70% to 90% good to excellent results. Repeat surgery, however, is far less successful.