“Can a rotator cuff that's torn 80% be repaired?”

Partial rotator cuff tears can be repaired arthroscopically if they do not respond to maximal conservative treatment

The answer to the question is age dependent and symptom level. Generally, anything not symptomatic is generally not indicated for surgery. The orthopedic literature shows little difference between long term surgical outcomes and outcomes from physical therapy if you are older than 65. In symptomatic younger patients and patients who are physiologically younger than their age, I generally recommend surgical repair for a rotator cuff tear that is greater than 50% torn and continues to be symptomatic after reasonable conservative treatment has failed. Tears greater than 50% are equivalent to full tears on a bio mechanical level and are generally taken down and repaired with fill thickness tissue. Be mindful it requires full time immobilization for 6 weeks and an average of 6 months for recuperation.

Yes, usually

Newer options to repair the partial tendon can involve the use of platelet rich plasma. This is using your own blood which is spun in a centrifuge. The plasma with the platelets with all the healing factors are harvested and placed into the shoulder to promote healing of the tear. This PRP can be utilized preop,intraop and postop surgical repair. Other advanced techniques include the use of Biologics including Regeneten Implants during arthroscopic surgical repair which can promote healing and a potentially result in a faster recovery.

Absolutely, the majority of rotator cuff tears are repaired by anchoring the tendon to the bone of the proximal humerus with special devices like those used in rock climbing.

Good luck,

Dr. L

In short, yes it can be repaired. With that said, not all rotator cuff tears require surgery. There are many factors that your surgeon will take into account when evaluating you such as age, activity level, comorbidities, if your tear is chronic/degenerative or acute from trauma, have you completed any physical therapy, etc. Once it’s determined that you are a good candidate for surgery and you decide you want to proceed, then the repair can be done. Typically surgery is considered for tears >50%.