In light of the previous rotator cuff surgery, an exclusion for bilateral rotator cuff disorders was applied. As previously stated, shoulders are symmetrical joints that are subject to similar use and physical stress, and significant degenerative changes in one shoulder are likely to be present in the other shoulder, hence the bilateral rotator cuff exclusion.
In addition, medical studies have shown that the incidence of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic rotator cuff disorders, such as partial or even complete rotator cuff tears, is approximately 40 to 50% at the age of 60 and over.
Bilateral rotator cuff exclusions continue to apply under the policy.