Houston Methodist. Leading Medicine  Shoulder FAQ   My sister
and I both have rotator cuff tears. I've had mine for about 10
years but I'm still getting along fine. She's only had hers for
two years but they're talking about doing a shoulder
replacement. They say she's had progressive joint damage from
the tear. Why did this happen to her but not me? Will I
eventually have the same problem?   Your sister may have a
condition called rotator cuff tear arthropathy. This refers to
an insufficient (weak) muscle that doesn't hold the head of the
humerus firmly inside the socket. The humeral head may even
slide up out of the center of the socket. Uneven wear over time
can cause joint damage. All of these changes are part of the
arthropathy.  Doctors aren't sure why this condition develops in
some people with a rotator cuff tear but not others. There may
be subtle anatomic changes that make a difference. For example,
the geometry (shape) of the bones that form the socket and bony
arch over the shoulder might be a fac