What factors contribute to rotator cuff deterioration in older individuals?

The deterioration of the rotator cuff in older individuals can largely be attributed to factors such as osteophyte development and a decrease in the subacromial space. As people age, they experience changes in the shoulder joint, including the formation of bone spurs, or osteophytes. These can encroach on the space that allows for smooth shoulder movement, potentially leading to impingement and increased wear on the rotator cuff tendons.

Furthermore, the subacromial space, which is the area beneath the acromion that contains the rotator cuff tendons, can narrow due to degenerative changes in the shoulder joint. This reduction in space can exacerbate any existing tendon damage and contribute to pain and loss of function. Thus, the combination of these anatomical changes plays a significant role in how the rotator cuff deteriorates in the aging population, making this answer the most accurate in understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in rotator cuff pathology.