[41] Rotator Cuff Tear Flashcards
What is the rotator cuff?
A group of 4 muscles that support and rotate the glenohumeral joint
Are rotator cuff tears common?
Yes - prevalence in gen pop is around 20%
What muscles is the rotator cuff composed of?
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres minor
- Subscapularis
What movement does the supraspinatus do?
Abduction
What movement does the infraspinatus do?
External rotation
What movement does teres minor do?
External rotation
What movement does subscapularis do?
Internal rotation
What can rotator cuff tears be classified as
- Acute or chronic
- Partial or full thickness
What is considered to be an acute rotator cuff tear?
Lasting <3 months
What can full thickness rotator cuff tears be further classified into?
- Small (<1cm)
- Medium (1-3cm)
- Large (3-5cm)
- Massive (>5cm or involves multiple tendons)
How much force is required for an acute rotator cuff tear?
Depends - often occur in tendons with pre-existing degeneration, which requires minimal force, however can occur in young individuals when force required to cause tear can be large
Who do chronic rotator cuff tears occur in?
Individuals with degenerative microtears to the tendon
What causes degenerative microtears to the tendons of the rotator cuff?
- Overuse
- Increasing age
What are the main risk factors for rotator cuff tears?
- Age
- Trauma
- Overuse
- Repetitive overhead shoulder motions
What are the other risk factors for rotator cuff tears?
- BMI 25
- Smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
How will patients with rotator cuff tears present?
Pain over lateral aspect of shoulder and inability to abduct arm above 90 degrees