Authors:

Max Seiter, Philip C. Nolte, Bryant P. Elrick, Peter J. Millett, MD

Abstract:

Rotator cuff (RC) tears remain a relatively common and potentially debilitating problem for both the professional and recreational athlete. Initial conservative management is usually performed; however, athlete's performance may decrease across this period of nonoperative treatment. Operative treatment has generally shown successful outcomes in contact and non-shoulder dependent athletes, as well as in the recreational population. Conversely, return to sport (RTS) after surgery in the overhead athlete and professional athlete has remained unpredictable, and these patients may have difficulty returning to preinjury level of sport. In this review we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of current literature on outcomes after RC repair (RCR) in athletes, beginning with anatomy and epidemiology, conservative and surgical management, and concluding with the rehabilitation of RC tears (RCTs).

You can read the full study here: Clinical outcomes of rotator cuff repair in athletes