Rotator Cuff Tear CAT

Question 1

What causes a rotator cuff tear?

Answer 1

• Acute traumatic incident
• Chronic degeneration

Question 2

Classification for RC tears

Answer 2

• Partial-thickness
• Full-thickness
• Acute
• Chronic
• Degenerative

Question 3

Which tendon(s) is most commonly involved w/ RC tears?

Answer 3

Supraspinatus normally, infraspinatus and subscapularis w/ more severe cases

Question 4

Contributing factors to RC tear

Answer 4

• Older pts: age-related tissue changes
• Younger pts: traumatic injury or repetitive high demand use

Question 5

Clinical presentation for RC tear

Answer 5

• Pain exacerbated by specific movements
• Weakness
• Pain greatest w/ partial-thickness tears

Question 6

Special tests for RC tears

Answer 6

• Drop arm
• Empty can

Question 7

Labs/imaging w/ RC tears

Answer 7

• MRI
• X-rays for bone spurs

Question 8

Additional findings likely w/ RC tears

Answer 8

• Instability
• Impingement
• Avulsion fracture

Question 9

Timeline for healing RC tear

Answer 9

Functional use in 4-6 months, 1+ year for return to sport