An epidemiological study of rotator cuff pathology using The Health Improvement Network database

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Orthopaedics
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited data exists on rotator cuff pathology incidence and demographics in the general population.
• Understanding these epidemiological factors is crucial for healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and demographic associations of rotator cuff pathology in the UK general population.
• To analyze trends and regional variations in rotator cuff pathology.

Main Methods:

• Utilized The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database for a large-scale epidemiological study.
• Analyzed incidence rates across different demographics, socioeconomic groups, and UK regions.

Main Results:

• Overall incidence of rotator cuff pathology was 87 per 100,000 person-years.
• Higher incidence observed in women (90/100,000) versus men (83/100,000), and in the 55-59 age group (198/100,000).
• Wales showed a significantly higher incidence (122/100,000), and the lowest socioeconomic group had the highest rates (98/100,000).

Conclusions:

• Rotator cuff pathology incidence has quadrupled since 1987 and continues to rise.
• Findings provide crucial insights into the epidemiology of rotator cuff pathology.
• Results can inform future upper limb orthopaedic service planning and resource allocation.