New Guideline on Rotator Cuff Problems: Board Approves "Optimizing the Management of Rotator Cuff Problems" (Research and Quality‪)‬

Rotator cuff disease ranks among the most prevalent of musculo-skeletal disorders. Previous studies in both cadavers and patient populations have found the prevalence of rotator cuff tears may exceed 50 percent in individuals older than age 65. Given that this age group is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, rotator cuff disease is poised to become an even more significant problem in the future. Each year, approximately 200,000 Americans require shoulder surgery related to repair of the rotator cuff. An additional 400,000 Americans have surgery for related rotator cuff tendonitis or for partial tears. From a demographic standpoint, the treatment of the painful rotator cuff is an important musculoskeletal problem, which will only increase in importance as the population ages.