Rotator Cuff Tear

Question 1

Partial RC tears are one of the major reasons for what syndrome?

Answer 1

impingement

Question 2

What is the most commonly torn RC tendon?

Answer 2

supraspinatus

Question 3

What are the symptoms of RC tears?

Answer 3

• weakness or pain with overhead movement

- night pain

Question 4

What 2 special tests are usually positive in patients with a RC tear?

Answer 4

• Neer Impingement Test

- Hawkins Impingement Test

Question 5

What imaging modality is the best method for visualizing RC tears?

Answer 5

MRI

Question 6

How do partial RC tears heal?

Answer 6

with scarring

Question 7

How are partial RC tears treated?

Answer 7

With PT and scapular and RC muscle strengthening

Question 8

__% of partial thickness tears progress to full thickness tears within 2 years.

Answer 8

40

Question 9

What is considered a negative prognosis factor for successful RC surgical repair?

Answer 9

Fatty infiltration

Question 10

Tear of which RC muscle should always undergo surgical repair? Why?

Answer 10

Subscapularis, because full-thickness tears usually lead to premature OA of the shoulder

Question 11

What are the 4 conditions in which you should refer a RC patient for surgical repair?

Answer 11

• young and active patients with full thickness RC tears
• partial tears with greater than 50% involvement and with significant pain
• Older and sedentary patients with full-thickness RC tears who have not responded to nonoperative treatment
• Full thickness subscapularis tears