rotator cuff tear

Question 1

what causes an acute tear?

Answer 1

fall on outstretched arm, sudden jerk

Question 2

what causes a degenerative tear?

Answer 2

wearing down over time

Question 3

what do tears usually involve?

Answer 3

supraspinatus

Question 4

what are the symptoms?

Answer 4

pain in front of shoulder that radiates down arm
associated weakness

Question 5

what are the signs?

Answer 5

wasting of supraspinatus
tenderness in subdeltoid region

Question 6

what tests can done during physical exam?

Answer 6

Jobe’s test
infraspinatus
subscapularis

Question 7

what investigations are used?

Answer 7

x-ray
USS if good ROM
MRI if reduced ROM

Question 8

what is the acute management?

Answer 8

rest, sling
analgesia
surgery involves arthroscopic or open repair of rotator cuff
physio
wait and see