Risk factors for degenerative, symptomatic rotator cuff tears: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rotator cuff tears represent a significant public health concern.
• Consensus on associated risk factors for symptomatic rotator cuff tears is lacking.
• This study aimed to identify key factors contributing to rotator cuff tears.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with symptomatic rotator cuff tears.
• To analyze a large patient dataset for demographic and clinical correlations.
• To provide evidence-based insights for prevention and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted using a de-identified electronic medical record system (>2.5 million patients).
• Cases (rotator cuff tears) and controls (symptomatic shoulders without tears) were confirmed via chart and imaging/operative report review.
• Multivariable logistic regression analyzed 11 potential risk factors including age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Older age (OR 2.44), higher BMI (OR 1.45), male sex (OR 1.56), and carpal tunnel syndrome (OR 1.41) were significantly associated with increased rotator cuff tear risk.
• Left shoulder symptoms (OR 0.68) and depression/anxiety (OR 0.77) showed a decreased association with rotator cuff tears.
• Smoking history was not found to be a significant risk factor.

Conclusions:

• Advancing age, male sex, higher BMI, and carpal tunnel syndrome are significant risk factors for rotator cuff tears.
• Left shoulder symptoms and depression/anxiety appear less likely to be associated with rotator cuff tears.
• Findings contribute to understanding rotator cuff tear etiology and may inform clinical practice.