Sonography of the rotator cuff in painful shoulders performed without knowledge of clinical information: results from 58 sonographic examinations with surgical correlation

PURPOSE: To assess the value of sonography as an isolated diagnostic test for the detection and quantification of rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Preoperative sonographic examination was performed on 58 shoulders. Key biases on sonographic interpretation such as history-taking, physical examination, or concurrent imaging examinations were excluded by way of blinding. Tears of the rotator cuff were the positive findings of interest. Assessment of tear size and localization was done sonographically, and the results were compared with operative findings. RESULTS: All 24 full-thickness tears observed at surgery had been diagnosed correctly via sonography. In 19 of 20 cases with an intact rotator cuff, preoperative sonography was negative. Thirteen of 14 partial-thickness tears were not detected via sonography; 1 was misinterpreted as a full-thickness tear. Location of the tears relative to the rotator cuff tendons was described correctly in 21 of 25 cases. For tear size measurement, the 95% range of agreement was less than +/-1 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Blinded sonographic examination is effective in the detection and quantification of full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff but lacks sensitivity in the detection of partial-thickness tears.     

Detection and quantification of rotator cuff tears with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging - a prospective study in 77 consecutive patients with a surgical reference

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance artrography (MRA) for the detection and measurement of rotator cuff tears, using surgical findings as a standard. A total of 77 consecutive patients with suspected rotator cuff tears were prospectively studied with US and MRA. Rotator cuff tears were identified by US with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values of 92%, 45%, 91% and 50%, respectively, and by MRA with values of 97%, 82%, 97% and 82%, respectively. US was not reliable for differentiating between partial and full thickness tears. US and MRA underestimated the tear sizes by an average of 15 mm and 4 mm, respectively. Our results suggest that US could be used as a screening test to confirm a suspected rotator cuff tear. In patients with negative findings, an MRA should be considered for substantiation.     

肩袖损伤与关节镜手术后康复

肩袖损伤是肩关节的多发病。关节镜下肩袖缝合术因具有创伤小、恢复快的优点而成为目前治疗肩袖损伤的主要方法之一。术后肩关节康复亦是手术成功的关键。     

Rotator cuff tears: is non-surgical management effective?

Background: Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint with an increasing number of people with shoulder pain undergoing surgical repair each year. The relationship between rotator cuff tendon tears and shoulder pain remains equivocal due to the high prevalence of tears in people without symptoms, which suggests that a proportion of people will undergo surgery on tissues not related to their symptoms. As a result there have been suggestions to initially manage atraumatic tears non-surgically.

Objectives: The objective of this narrative review was to present current evidence regarding the assessment and management of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Major findings: To date, three randomised controlled trials have compared surgical with non-surgical management of rotator cuff tears. Outcomes show a small but non-significant effect in favour of surgery. Only one study has looked at long-term outcomes of greater than one year. Overall 129 subjects have completed a course of non-surgical management and therefore low participant numbers may not be sufficient to draw firm conclusions.

Conclusions: Current evidence currently supports the consideration of a non-surgical approach in the management of people with shoulder symptoms and identified rotator cuff tears, for a period of time.     

Rotator cuff pathology and subacromial impingement

Musculoskeletal complaints are one of the most common reasons for primary care office visits, and rotator cuff disorders are the most common source of shoulder pain. Subacromial impingement with subsequent tendinitis and bursitis is frequently found in young adult patients. Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain in patients over age 40. The majority of subacromial impingement and incomplete rotator cuff tears may be successfully managed with conservative treatment. This article discusses anatomic function of the glenohumeral joint and subacromial space, etiology of subacromial impingement and rotator cuff disorders, examination of the shoulder, diagnostic testing, and treatment of subacromial impingement and rotator cuff disorders in the primary care setting.     

Diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tears in the emergency department

This article will review the diagnosis and management of rotator cuff tears in the emergency departaient. Rotator cuff disease is a common source of shoulder pain. It encompasses a wide range of pathology of the rotator cuff tendons. These lesions can include impingement or tendinitis, and may progress to rupture of the tendons. In considering the emergency department management of cuff tears, it is useful to classify patients by the mechanism of their injury. Proper classification of patients requires a careful history and physical examination. Interpretation of these data is based on an understanding of the entire range of pathology that can affect the tendons of the rotator cuff.     

Association of shoulder sonographic findings with subsequent surgical treatment for rotator cuff injury.

OBJECTIVE: To identify any clinical and radiologic findings of rotator cuff injury that predict whether patients will undergo shoulder surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively studied all shoulder sonograms obtained at a single institution over 12 months. Possible predictors of surgical treatment were documented, including patient age and sex, duration and types of symptoms, and the location and severity of tendon damage on sonography. One hundred twenty-eight patients underwent shoulder sonography; 34 patients eventually underwent shoulder surgery. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify clinical and sonographic factors associated with the use of surgical therapy. RESULTS: The only statistically significant predictor of surgical intervention was the finding of full-thickness tears (with or without tendon retraction) on sonography (P = .03). Patients with full-thickness tears were 4.3 times more likely to undergo surgery than those with no tears (odds ratio, 4.3). CONCLUSIONS: The sonographic diagnosis of full-thickness rotator cuff tears is the only finding statistically associated with the use of surgical treatment. No single clinical variable was consistently associated with subsequent surgery. Partial-thickness tears on sonography also do not show any statistical association with the eventual use of surgery for rotator cuff symptoms.     

Comparison Between Exclusively Long‐Axis and Multiple‐Axis Sonographic Protocols for Screening of Rotator Cuff Lesions in Symptomatic Shoulders

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exclusively long‐axis sonography differs from a multiple‐axis scanning protocol as a screening tool for rotator cuff lesions in symptomatic shoulders when compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods. A total of 509 consecutive patients (mean age, 52.8 years) referred for MRI were also routinely evaluated by sonography. We initially performed exclusively long‐axis sonography and graded the rotator cuff as normal or abnormal. Patients subsequently underwent a full sonographic protocol using multiple‐axis views. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared with sonographic findings for both techniques. Results. The overall accuracy of sonography was greater than 90%. We found divergent results from different sonographic techniques in 34 patients. Of these, 8 were multiple‐axis false‐negative; 14 were exclusively long‐axis false‐negative; 6 were exclusively long‐axis false‐positive; and 6 were multiple‐axis false‐positive. All cases with divergent false‐negative findings on multiple‐axis sonography showed tendinosis on MRI. Causes for false‐negative findings on exclusively long‐axis sonography included tendinosis and partial‐thickness tears of the supraspinatus. No statistically significant difference was seen between both sonographic techniques compared with MRI in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (P > .05). Conclusions. Sonography is reliable for detecting rotator cuff abnormalities. Exclusively long‐axis sonography seems appropriate as a screening tool for rotator cuff lesions in symptomatic shoulders.     

Chronic shoulder pain: part I. Evaluation and diagnosis

Shoulder pain is defined as chronic when it has been present for longer than six months. Common conditions that can result in chronic shoulder pain include rotator cuff disorders, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder instability, and shoulder arthritis. Rotator cuff disorders include tendinopathy, partial tears, and complete tears. A clinical decision rule that is helpful in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears includes pain with overhead activity, weakness on empty can and external rotation tests, and a positive impingement sign. Adhesive capsulitis can be associated with diabetes and thyroid disorders. Clinical presentation includes diffuse shoulder pain with restricted passive range of motion on examination. Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis presents with superior shoulder pain, acromioclavicular joint tenderness, and a painful cross-body adduction test. In patients who are older than 50 years, glenohumeral osteoarthritis usually presents as gradual pain and loss of motion. In patients younger than 40 years, glenohumeral instability generally presents with a history of dislocation or subluxation events. Positive apprehension and relocation are consistent with the diagnosis. Imaging studies, indicated when diagnosis remains unclear or management would be altered, include plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and computed tomography scans. Plain radiographs may help diagnose massive rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, and shoulder arthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography are preferred for rotator cuff disorders. For shoulder instability, magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram is preferred over magnetic resonance imaging.     

Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries in the Elite Athlete

Purpose of Review

Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of pain and dysfunction for the elite athlete and can result in time loss from participation. This review highlights the current management of these injuries.

Recent Findings

Conservative management of rotator cuff injuries continues to be the “gold standard” in the elite athlete. This includes a comprehensive rehabilitation program, anti-inflammatories, and corticosteroid injections. Newer treatment techniques such as intramuscular dry needling and the use of biologics such as platelet-rich plasma and stem cells demonstrate early promising results; however, these modalities require further investigation to determine their effectiveness.

Summary

Rotator cuff injuries can range from contusions and tendinopathy to full-thickness tears. A comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine the extent of injury and appropriate plan of care. Management strategies can range from rehabilitation to operative intervention and are guided by the size of the tear, time of season, sport, performance limitations, and presence of concomitant pathology.

     

Ruptures traumatiques de la coiffe des rotateurs chez le rugbyman

Rotator cuff tears are one of the shoulder lesions that can occur during modern Rugby. They are present in 3–10% of the traumatic lesions of the shoulder in this population and is this figure is expected to continue increasing because of the growth in popularity of the sport and the intensity of the game. The physician should be aware of the clinical signs in order to guide the correct imagery for this type of lesion to be correctly identified. The study of 29 rotator cuff tears in professional Rugby players from the French Rugby championships from 1996 to 2006 allowed us to clarify the epidemiology of these lesions and to specify the therapeutic indications. The surgical treatment, especially arthroscopic repair, proved to be efficient for the partial and full-thickness tears. Eighty-three percent of the patients were able to play Rugby at their presymptomatic competitive level with a delay of 5.5 months with a strictly normal clinical exam in more of 75% of the cases.     

The influence of simulated rotator cuff tears on the risk for impingement in handbike and handrim wheelchair propulsion

BackgroundRotator cuff tears strongly affect the biomechanics of the shoulder joint in their role to regulate the joint contact force needed to prevent the joint from dislocation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of simulated progressed rotator cuff tears on the (in)stability of the glenohumeral joint and the risk for impingement during wheelchair and handbike propulsion.MethodsThe Delft Shoulder and Elbow Model was used to calculate the magnitude of the glenohumeral joint reaction force and the objective function J, which is an indication of the effort needed to complete the task. Full-thickness tears were simulated by virtually removing muscles from the model.FindingsWith larger cuff tears the joint reaction force was higher and more superiorly directed. Also extra muscle force was necessary to balance the external force such that the glenohumeral joint did not dislocate.InterpretationA tear of only the supraspinatus leads only to a minor increase in muscle forces and a minor shift of the force on the glenoid, indicating that it is possible to function well with a torn supraspinatus muscle. A massive tear shifts the direction of the joint reaction force to the superior border of the glenoid, increasing the risk for impingement.     

The addition of aquatic therapy to rehabilitation following surgical rotator cuff repair: a feasibility study

Background and Purpose . Rotator cuff tears are frequently encountered in medical outpatient settings and often require surgical repair to achieve desirable functional outcomes. However, the optimal form of post‐operative rehabilitation of rotator cuff repairs remains unidentified by the research literature. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of implementing and investigating the effect of a combined aquatic and land‐based rehabilitation programme in the post‐operative rehabilitation of rotator cuff tears. Methods . A cohort of 18 subjects undergoing rotator cuff repair were examined over a treatment period of 12 weeks. Twelve subjects participated in a combined aquatic and land‐based programme, while six subjects received a standard land‐based protocol. Passive range of motion and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index outcomes were measured pre‐operatively and at three, six and 12 weeks, post‐operatively. Subjective responses on patient's assurance and confidence in the value of the exercises (questionnaire using an 11‐point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) were collected at 12 weeks for both groups. Results . There was a significant improvement in both range of motion and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff scores in all subjects with treatment (p < 0.001). Furthermore, participation in aquatic therapy significantly improved passive flexion range of motion measures at three weeks (mean 46°, 95% CI 17–75, p = 0.005) and six weeks (30°, 95% CI 8–51, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the attendance rates (80% in both groups) or patients perceptions of the programmes (100% confidence and assurance in both groups). Conclusion . The implementation of a combined aquatic and land‐based physiotherapy programme following surgical repair of the rotator cuff is feasible and presents a potential viable alternative to conventional land‐based exercise with comparable outcomes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three-dimensional scapular morphology is associated with rotator cuff tears and alters the abduction moment arm of the supraspinatus

BackgroundNumerous studies have reported an association between rotator cuff injury and two-dimensional measures of scapular morphology. However, the mechanical underpinnings explaining how these shape features affect glenohumeral joint function and lead to injury are poorly understood. We hypothesized that three-dimensional features of scapular morphology differentiate asymptomatic shoulders from those with rotator cuff tears, and that these features would alter the mechanical advantage of the supraspinatus.MethodsTwenty-four individuals with supraspinatus tears and twenty-seven age-matched controls were recruited. A statistical shape analysis identified scapular features distinguishing symptomatic patients from asymptomatic controls. We examined the effect of injury-associated morphology on mechanics by developing a morphable model driven by six degree-of-freedom biplanar videoradiography data. We used the model to simulate abduction for a range of shapes and computed the supraspinatus moment arm.FindingsRotator cuff injury was associated with a cranial orientation of the glenoid and scapular spine (P = .011, d = 0.75) and/or decreased subacromial space (P = .001, d = 0.94). The shape analysis also identified previously undocumented features associated with superior inclination and subacromial narrowing. In our computational model, warping the scapula from a cranial to a lateral orientation increased the supraspinatus moment arm at 20° of abduction and decreased the moment arm at 160° of abduction.InterpretationsThree-dimensional analysis of scapular morphology indicates a stronger relationship between morphology and cuff tears than two-dimensional measures. Insight into how morphological features affect rotator cuff mechanics may improve patient-specific strategies for prevention and treatment of cuff tears.     

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination features for identifying large rotator cuff tears in primary health care

Objectives:

Rotator cuff tears are a common and disabling complaint. The early diagnosis of medium and large size rotator cuff tears can enhance the prognosis of the patient. The aim of this study was to identify clinical features with the strongest ability to accurately predict the presence of a medium, large or multitendon (MLM) rotator cuff tear in a primary care cohort.

Methods:

Participants were consecutively recruited from primary health care practices (n = 203). All participants underwent a standardized history and physical examination, followed by a standardized X-ray series and diagnostic ultrasound scan. Clinical features associated with the presence of a MLM rotator cuff tear were identified (P<0.200), a logistic multiple regression model was derived for identifying a MLM rotator cuff tear and thereafter diagnostic accuracy was calculated.

Results:

A MLM rotator cuff tear was identified in 24 participants (11.8%). Constant pain and a painful arc in abduction were the strongest predictors of a MLM tear (adjusted odds ratio 3.04 and 13.97 respectively). Combinations of ten history and physical examination variables demonstrated highest levels of sensitivity when five or fewer were positive [100%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–1.00; negative likelihood ratio: 0.00, 95% CI: 0.00–0.28], and highest specificity when eight or more were positive (0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.95; positive likelihood ratio 4.66, 95% CI: 2.34–8.74).

Discussion:

Combinations of patient history and physical examination findings were able to accurately detect the presence of a MLM rotator cuff tear. These findings may aid the primary care clinician in more efficient and accurate identification of rotator cuff tears that may require further investigation or orthopedic consultation.     

Komplikationen nach arthroskopischer Rotatorenmanschettennaht

Rotator cuff tears are increasingly treated arthroscopically, preferentially with suture anchors since a stable anchorage in bone is possible, simple and rapid. However, the restricted view, especially with longer operating times, conceals a danger of misplacement. Such risks can be determined rapidly with experience and should be corrected as soon as possible, e.g. through a change to open procedures. In our case report, the migration of a metal anchor could be corrected in a later operation and a revision of the re-rupture was then carried out using mini-open technique.     

Glenohumeral joint loading is impacted by rotator cuff tear severity during functional task performance

BackgroundRotator cuff tear is a common musculoskeletal injury, negatively affecting shoulder function. Rotator cuff tear severity ranges from small to massive tears, but it is unclear how tear severity affects glenohumeral joint loading and how changes contribute to secondary injury. This study's objective was to determine how glenohumeral joint contact force changes with tear severity during functional task performance using computational models.MethodsEight models of increasing tear severity were developed, ranging from no rotator cuff tear to massive three-tendon tears. Simulations were performed using models representing increasing tear severity and kinematics for five functional tasks (n = 720 simulations). For each task, magnitude and orientation of peak resultant joint contact force for each tear severity was identified, then compared to the no rotator cuff tear model.FindingsFor all tasks, compared to the no rotator cuff tear model, joint contact force magnitude decreased 9.5% on average with infraspinatus involvement, then plateaued at 20.8% average decrease with subscapularis involvement. Projected orientation of peak joint contact force vector was located more superior in the glenoid with increased tear severity, with significant changes (p < 0.0003) for all tasks with infraspinatus involvement.InterpretationDecreased magnitude and superior orientation of joint contact force suggest fewer intact muscles contribute to force distribution across the joint, although more work is needed characterizing associated compensation strategies. All force vectors remained oriented within the glenoid rim for all tasks and models, suggesting the system prioritizes joint stability. This work identifies how joint contact force changes with rotator cuff tear severity.     

Detection of muscle atrophy on routine sonography of the shoulder.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the utility of sonography in visualizing muscle atrophy during routine sonographic examination of the shoulder for evaluation of the rotator cuff tendons. METHODS: A retrospective review of 199 shoulder sonographic examinations performed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists trained in musculoskeletal sonography with knowledge of the typical sonographic findings of muscle atrophy was performed. Reports were reviewed for the presence of muscle atrophy. If atrophy was present, the reports from those examinations were rereviewed for concomitant rotator cuff abnormalities. RESULTS: Forty-five examinations (23%) showed atrophy in at least 1 muscle on the basis of the criteria of increased echogenicity and decreased bulk. There were a total of 81 individual muscles that showed atrophy, with the following distribution: 16% supraspinatus (n = 13), 31% infraspinatus (n = 25), 36% teres minor (n = 29), 2% subscapularis (n = 2), and 6% biceps brachii (n = 5). In 34 of the 45 examinations with muscle atrophy, there were 57 concomitant full-thickness tendon tears: 64% supraspinatus (n = 29), 38% infraspinatus (n = 17), 7% subscapularis (n = 3), 0% teres minor (n = 0), 16% long head of biceps (n = 7), and 2% deltoid (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Although primary sonographic evaluation of the painful shoulder concentrates on the tendons of the rotator cuff, we suggest that examination of the muscles should become a standard component of the comprehensive shoulder sonographic examination, particularly given the potential clinical implications of muscle atrophy on the outcome of rotator cuff surgery.     

The painful shoulder: part II. Acute and chronic disorders

Fractures of the humerus, scapula and clavicle usually result from a direct blow or a fall onto an outstretched hand. Most can be treated by immobilization. Dislocation of the humerus, strain or sprain of the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints, and rotator cuff injury often can be managed conservatively. Recurrence is a problem with humerus dislocation, and surgical management may be indicated if conservative treatment fails. Rotator cuff tears are often hard to diagnose because of muscle atrophy that impairs the patient's ability to perform diagnostic maneuvers. Chronic shoulder problems usually fall into one of several categories, which include impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder and biceps tendonitis. Other causes of chronic shoulder pain are labral injury, osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral or acromioclavicular joint and, rarely, osteolysis of the distal clavicle.