Does hypercholesterolemia predispose to rotator cuff pathologies?

Objective: Rotator cuff tear is one of the most common orthopedic musculoskeletal problem gaining importance due to large health scale expenditure. Causes of rotator cuff tears are multifactorial and unclear. The previous studies have suggested relation between elevated serum lipid profile and rotator cuff tear in the western population. We, therefore, undertook study in our Indian population to correlate the association of hypercholesterolemia with rotator cuff tear. Methods: After obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee. We prospectively collected fasting lipid samples of the population who came to our hospitals with complaints of shoulder pain during our study period. 50 patients had rupture of rotator cuff which was confirmed by ultrasound of involved shoulder. 50 were seen for non-cuff related complaints. We followed strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein concentration of patients with rotator cuff tendon tear were on higher side than control group. High-density lipoprotein trend showed being lower than control group. 21 of 50 (42%) had high cholesterol (TC > 240 mg/dl) than compared to 18 of 50 (36%) in control group. However, p=0.539 and showed no statistical significance between groups Conclusion: In Indian population, there was no correlation between hypercholesterolemia and rotator cuff tear which is statistically significant.