Neer first introduced the term cuff tear arthropathy in 1977. He published a more detailed description of the clinical findings, pathology, and distinguishing features of the condition in 1983. This entity was described as a relatively rare condition that developed in less than 5% of patients with a complete rotator cuff tear in the absence of other known etiologic factors. Cuff tear arthropathy is characterized by superior migration of the humeral head; erosions of the inferior acromion and superior glenoid; and collapse of the soft, atrophic head in advanced stages. Clinically, patients have long-standing pain that is worse at night and exacerbated by activity. Many patients are unable to elevate the affected arm above 90°, and external rotation is typically weak or absent. Neer et al1 recommended that these patients be treated with an unconstrained total shoulder arthroplasty with soft-tissue reconstruction followed by “limited goals rehabilitation,” noting that results were inferior to patients with an intact rotator cuff.