How Long Can I Wait to Have My Rotator Cuff Repaired?

While the outcomes of rotator cuff repair are very good, recovery from the procedure can be a substantial burden and require significant planning, whether it is arranging around important events or work. Because of this, patients often ask "How soon do I need to have this done?"

The answer to this question is about the influence of time on outcome. In general, I tell patients that if they are having their rotator cuff repaired they should have it done within 6 months. Two recent studies reflect this timeline.

1. Outcomes in patients with stiffness

In a 2017 issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, Chen et al. examined rotator cuff repair outcomes in patients who also had stiffness.

• Outcomes in patients with symptoms for less than 6 months were compared to those with stiffness or symptoms for more than 6 months.
• While both groups improved, the group with symptoms less than 6 months had a better overall outcome with higher functional scores (ASES 91 vs. 82) and improved range of motion.
• These findings demonstrate that it is better to proceed with rotator cuff repair within 6 months despite stiffness than delay with months of physical therapy prior. With delay, there is often progression in tear size and a decreased biologic potential for healing.

2. Risk factors for tear progression

Another 2017 article in the American Journal of Sports Medicine evaluated risk factors for tear progression.

• 174 patients were followed for an average of 19 months.
• Nearly 50% of the patients had progression of the tear within this time period.
• Factors associated with progression included a medium-sized tear, a full-thickness tear, and smoking. Given that tear size is one of the most important factors in healing following rotator cuff repair, I believe it is important to prevent tear progression, particularly in young patients who have a substantial chance to progress by virtue of their remaining years.

The bottom line

Based on these studies, 6 months appears to be a reasonable timeline within which to repair the rotator cuff and optimize one's outcome. When delayed, there is often progression in tear size and a decreased biologic potential for healing.

Not sure how long you have?

If you already have an MRI and want to know whether your tear is one that should be repaired soon, I can review your actual images remotely and send you a narrated video explaining what I see and what I would do. Order a remote MRI review.

Watch: How Long Can I Wait to Have My Rotator Cuff Repaired?

Related reading

• Rotator Cuff Tear: Should the Opposite Shoulder Be Screened?
• How Early Surgery Can Prevent Bigger Shoulder Problems Later
• Am I Too Old to Have My Rotator Cuff Repaired?