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Arthroscopic Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Whole Rotator Cable Reconstruction Using Proximal Biceps Tendon Autograft
Published on: June 6, 2025
Cigarette smoking increases the risk for rotator cuff tears
Keith M Baumgarten1, David Gerlach, Leesa M Galatz
1Orthopedic Institute, 810 E 23rd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57117, USA. Kbaumga@yahoo.com
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|March 14, 2009
Summary
Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for rotator cuff tears. This study found a strong, dose-dependent link between smoking habits and the likelihood of developing rotator cuff disease.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears are common shoulder injuries.
- Evidence on specific risk factors for rotator cuff tears is limited.
- Cigarette smoking is a potential, understudied risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between cigarette smoking and rotator cuff tears.
- To determine if smoking increases the risk of rotator cuff disease in patients with shoulder pain.
Main Methods:
- A prognostic study (Level III evidence) was conducted.
- 586 adult patients with unilateral, atraumatic shoulder pain underwent diagnostic ultrasound.
- A questionnaire assessed smoking history; 375 patients had rotator cuff tears, 211 did not.
Main Results:
- A history of smoking was more prevalent in patients with rotator cuff tears (61.9% vs. 48.3%).
- Increased risk correlated with recent smoking, longer duration, higher pack-per-day, and greater pack-year history.
- A dose-dependent and time-dependent relationship between smoking and rotator cuff tears was observed.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette smoking shows a strong association with rotator cuff disease.
- Smoking is likely an important risk factor for developing rotator cuff tears.
- Further research is warranted to confirm smoking as a primary etiological factor.
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