How common are rotator cuff disorders?

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How common are rotator cuff disorders?

The wear and tear from ordinary use on the group of tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint (rotator cuff) makes it common for people over 40 years of age to have some loss of strength and movement in their shoulder.

• Loss of function progresses due to factors such as age and the amount of activity with overhead arm movements.
• As the rotator cuff becomes weaker with age, it is more likely to be injured (torn) by simple movements, such as lifting an object. Tears are present in 25% of people over age 60.¹

Overuse of the rotator cuff muscles is common in young athletes involved in throwing, swimming, and racquet sports.² Rotator cuff tears are not common in people under 40 unless they have a sudden and severe (acute) injury.

References

Citations

1. Wirth MA, et al., eds. (2001). Impingement syndrome, procedure, and rotator cuff tear section of Shoulder. In WB Greene et al., eds., Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, 2nd ed., pp. 136–143. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Academy of Pediatrics.

2. Gómez JE (2002). Upper extremity injuries in youth sports. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 49(3): 593–626.

Credits

Last updated:	February 10, 2006
Author:	Lila Havens
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kathie Hummel-Berry, PT, PhD - Physical Therapy
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen