CONSENSUS RECOMMENDATION A scoping review and best evidence synthesis was conducted for the treatment of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (Eubank, 2024). No studies that compared PT versus surgery outright were identified, but in cohorts both surgery and PT had favorable outcomes. Evidence informing this topic is most likely found in studies reviewing “impingement”, but as these studies may not report on radiologic evidence of partial tears they do not fit our inclusion criteria and cannot be used here. It is difficult to discern between partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and subacromial pain syndrome/subacromial impingement. Nonsurgical treatment including physical therapy is suggested for partial-thickness tears due to low evidence of progression of tear severity. Treatment of partial-thickness tears should follow guidelines for subacromial pain (Planchar, 2021).
Additional References
- Eubank BHF, Sheps DM, Dennett L, et al. A scoping review and best evidence synthesis for treatment of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2024;33(3):e126-e152. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2023.10.027
- Plancher KD, Shanmugam J, Briggs K, Petterson SC. Diagnosis and Management of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Comprehensive Review. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2021;29(24):1031-1043. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-20-01092