Open repair of massive rotator cuff tears in patients aged sixty-five years or over: is it worthwhile?

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional outcome and identify possible preoperative prognostic factors in patients aged 65 years or over undergoing open repair for a massive (>5 cm) full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Patients were assessed after a mean of 48 months by an independent observer by use of the Constant score and the Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire. The outcome was excellent or good in 44% and poor in 23%. The patient satisfaction rate was 84%. Pain relief was obtained in 93%. We found three preoperative variables to be significantly associated with a poor outcome: female sex, duration of symptoms greater than 34 months before surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. The results of our study suggest that appropriately selected patients who are aged 65 years or over with a massive full-thickness rotator cuff tear can be expected to have a good functional outcome and pain relief after repair.