Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff and cervical spine disease are complex and nuanced conditions that commonly coexist, creating a challenging treatment paradigm. METHODS: An algorithmic approach to diagnosis and management is developed in this study and illustrated through clinical vignettes. RESULTS: The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of concomitant shoulder and neck conditions may be simplified by this approach. CONCLUSION: Shoulder surgeons should seek cervical disease with a high index of suspicion and understand cervical conditions that may take surgical precedence to rotator cuff repair.