Authors' recommendations: For the majority of interventions, only sparse data are available, precluding firm conclusions for any single approach or for the optimal overall management of this condition. The paucity of evidence related to early versus delayed surgery is of particular concern, as patients and providers must decide whether to attempt initial nonoperative management or proceed immediately with surgical repair. The majority of the data is derived from studies of low methodological quality or from study designs associated with higher risk of bias (e.g., observational and before-and-after studies). Overall, the evidence shows that all interventions result in substantial improvements; however, few differences of clinical importance are evident when comparisons between interventions are available. Complication rates were generally low and the majority of complications were not deemed to be clinically important; therefore, the benefit of receiving treatment for rotator cuff tears appears to outweigh the risk of associated harms. Future research is needed to determine the relative effectiveness of rotator cuff treatment options.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/67/467/CER22_RotatorCuff1.pdf

Year Published: 2010

URL for published report: http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productid=474

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)