Causes

A traumatic rotator cuff tear is more frequent in young individuals whereas degenerative cuff lesions occur predominantly in older people or those involved in prolonged repetitive activities that strain the rotator cuff. The pathology can arise from three different mechanisms:

Acute tear is more frequent in younger individuals. It arises as a consequence of a sudden injurious event such as a shoulder dislocation, a fall and forceful overhead activity

Chronic tear develops over time with overuse and is related to a gradual degeneration of the tendons. The latter is more frequent in older people

Iatrogenic tear is a complication following surgical tendon repair of the anterior the shoulder.