Several patients in their 50s and 60s have had their rotator cuff tear diagnosed on MRI. How accurate is MRI for this purpose? Could it be overinterpreted? —Jorge Guzman Ortiz, MD, Jayuya, P.R ...

Most rotator-cuff tears are degenerative, atraumatic, and more prevalent with age. Nonoperative treatment, including physical therapy, is typically recommended; surgery is considered in some cases.

Percutaneous orthobiologic treatment may be an effective alternative to home exercise therapy for treatment of rotator cuff tears, according to results published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.