Final answer:
Risk factors for failure to heal rotator cuff tears include tear size, age of the patient, and presence of other medical conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A risk factor for failure to heal rotator cuff (RC) tears is the size of the tear. Larger tears have a lower chance of healing compared to smaller tears. For example, a study found that tears larger than 3 centimeters were associated with a higher risk of failure to heal.
Another risk factor is the age of the patient. Older patients have a higher likelihood of failure to heal RC tears compared to younger patients. This may be due to decreased blood supply and tissue quality in older individuals.
Additionally, the presence of other medical conditions such as diabetes or smoking can also increase the risk of failure to heal RC tears. These conditions can impair the body's ability to heal and impact the success of treatment.