Genetic influences in the aetiology of tears of the rotator cuff

Authors: P. Harvie, S. J. Ostlere, J. Teh, E. G. McNally, K. Clipsham, B. J. Burston, T. C. B. Pollard, and A. J. Carr

References: J Bone Joint Surg Br 2004 86-B: 696-700

Abstract
From a retrospective, cohort study of 205 patients diagnosed with full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff, we determined, using ultrasound, the prevalence of such tears in their 129 siblings. Using 150 spouses as controls, the relative risk of full-thickness tears in siblings versus controls was 2.42 (95% CI 1.77 to 3.31). The relative risk of symptomatic full-thickness tears in siblings versus controls was 4.65 (95% CI 2.42 to 8.63).

The significantly increased risk for tears in siblings implies that genetic factors play a major role in the development of full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff.