No abstract

Thirty-four patients (27.9%) had an initial full thickness tear and eighty-eight patients (72.1%) had a partial thickness tear. Out of the entire one hundred twenty-two patients, tear size increased in fifty-one patients (41.8%), not changed in sixty-five patients (53.3%), and decreased in six patients (4.9%). Twentyeight patients (82.4%) of full-thickness tears increased in size; while twenty-three patients (26.1%) of partialthickness tears increased in size. Full-thickness tears showed a higher enlargement rate than partial-thickness tears in the three groups categorized with follow-up period (6w12 months, P¼0.067; 12w24 months, P¼0.002; over 24 months, P<0.001). Having a full-thickness tear was the most important risk factor according to logistic regression analysis for progression (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that 82.4% of symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears increased in size, while 26.1% of symptomatic partial-thickness tears increased in size over a two-year period. Full-thickness tears showed a higher enlargement rate than partialthickness tears regardless of a follow-up period. The univariate and multivariate analyses presented in this study suggest that having a full-thickness tear was the most reliable risk factor for tear enlargement.