Functional outcomes after non-operative treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears: Prospective multicenter study in 68 patients.

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs) account for 10% to 40% of all RCTs and over 80% of re-tears. The objectives of this prospective study were to assess functional outcomes 6 and 12 months after starting non-operative therapy for an irreparable massive RCT and to identify predictors of good outcomes of non-operative treatment.

Hypothesis: Non-operative treatment deserves to be tried because it can produce improvements in patients with irreparable massive RCTs.