To clarify the short-term results of conservative treatment for symptomatic full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff.

Between September 1996 and August 1999, 107 shoulders of 105 patients were diagnosed as full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff by MRI or arthrography at our institute. All patients were treated conservatively and only 3 shoulders underwent surgery because of persistent pain after 6 months of conservative treatment. Among 104 shoulders treated conservatively for more than 12 months, 102 shoulders of 100 patients were followed up with an average follow-up period of 33 months. Two patients were excluded: one had died and the other had been lost at the time of follow up. Among 102 shoulders, 56 shoulders of 56 patients were assessed by direct examination, and 44 shoulders of 46 patients were interviewed by telephone. There were 54 males and 46 females with an average of 64 years (44–80). The Shoulder Functional Evaluation by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA score) was used for assessment (full score = 75 points)

The overall JOA score improved significantly from 41.3 points (initial) to 63.5 points (follow-up) (p< .01). Satisfactory results (> - 60 points) were obtained in 71%. The pain score (full score = 30 points) improved from 8.3 points (initial) to 24.7 points (follow-up) (p< .01). At follow-up, 49% had no pain and 88% did not need any medication. The range of motion, abduction strength, and activities of daily living improved significantly (p< .01). Angle of external rotation at initial examination was positively correlated with the JOA score at follow-up (r=0.373, p> .01).

Short-term outcome of conservative treatment for symptomatic full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff was satisfactory in 71% of the patients.