Older‑Age Shoulder Tears: What to Do

The problem of torn shoulder tendons that can’t be fixed is getting more common as people grow older. When someone has pain or weakness, doctors usually start with a solid six‑month plan of targeted exercise. Many patients feel better with this approach, so it is the first choice in treatment. To decide if a tear can be repaired, doctors look at both how the shoulder feels and what an MRI shows. The scan checks for how far the tendon has moved back, how much fat has filled the muscle, and how skinny the muscle is.

If the pain stays or gets worse after the exercise program, surgery becomes an option. For people over 60, a reverse shoulder replacement is often recommended because it works well when the joint is already worn down. Younger patients, under 60, may instead keep their natural joint by having the tendon moved to a new spot or by building a protective shell around the shoulder. These joint‑saving techniques can keep the arm moving better for many years. Choosing the right surgery depends on age, how much damage there is, and what the patient wants for their future activity.

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