Risk factors for the development of rotator cuff disease

We have undertaken a case control study of 300 patients to ascertain some of the etiological variables in the development of rotator cuff disease. Materials and Methods: The results of 300 questionnaires of two groups of 150 people were compared. The first group with symptoms of impingement and ultrasound appearances of rotator cuff pathology (mean age 59.0, range 24-86) were compared to a second group of asymptomatic controls (mean age 60.6, range 35-90). Results: Activities that increase the risk of developing rotator cuff pathology include occupations that involve manual (odds ratio 3.81) and/or overhead work (3.83), weight training (2.32) and swimming (1.98). Patient factors that increase the risk include diabetes (3.34) and general osteoarthritis (2.39).