[Surgical treatment of the rotator cuff rupture (author's transl)]

Ruptures of the rotator cuff are more frequent than generally assumed. Out of 25 patients with ruptures of the rotator cuff treated surgically, 17 were seen at follow-up investigations at least 6 months later. The procedure was successful in most cases. Should severe pains persist despite regular conservative treatment for 6--8 weeks, disturbing night rest of sports and working performance, and has the rupture been demonstrated by arthrography, surgical reconstruction should not be delayed as partial shoulder immobility diminishes postoperative results considerably. Long-term follow-up physiotherapy is a prerequisite for a lasting success.