Nonoperative Treatment of Chronic, Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears:

Abstract

A massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear may cause significant pain and dysfunction. However, the efficacy of nonoperative treatment modalities in this subset of patients is not currently well known. Also, there is currently no gold standard nonoperative protocol to guide treatment. The goal of the present systematic review is to determine if there is any evidence to support the use of various nonoperative treatment modalities and synthesize a standardized nonoperative treatment protocol for the patient with a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear.