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A member asked:
What happens to a torn rotator cuff left untreated?
9 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Variable: Not all rotator cuff tears carry the same prognosis. There are many ways to grade a rotator cuff tear: partial vs. Full thickness, small, medium, large or massive, and acute vs. Chronic are just some examples. Low grade partial tears have the best prognosis for not requiring surgical treatment.
Answered 6/6/2013
5.1k views
Depends: Really depends on the size of tear. All full thickness tears will progress over time if left untreated and can lead to permanent deficits with regard to strength and function. Younger people that do alot of lifting with work will likely progress quicker. This is a big deal for a 45yo guy. If it is full thickness and more than a centimeter i would not ignore as can get to point that can't fix.
Answered 7/9/2018
4.9k views
Sometimes: It heals on its own, sometimes it does not. Recommend continuing physical therapy to keep strength up nonetheless. If you are not improving than maybe platelet or stem cell therapy can be used to heal tissues. check out Regenexx.Com
Answered 7/19/2014
3.9k views
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