Management of rotator cuff tears in the elderly population

Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are a common cause of shoulder pain and weakness in the elderly (age > 65yrs) and result in reduced quality of life, loss of income and a burden on health care. With the elderly population living longer there is a growing interest in the effective and efficient management of RCTs. In a majority of cases, the initial treatment is conservative, with physical therapy, analgesics and possibly corticosteroid or plasma rich protein injections. There are various surgical options, including rotator cuff repair, superior capsule reconstruction, subacromial decompression and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The aim of this article is to provide a narrative review of evidence guiding the management options for RCTs in the elderly.