1. Rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic individuals: a clinical and ultrasonographic screening study.
- Author
-
Schibany N, Zehetgruber H, Kainberger F, Wurnig C, Ba-Ssalamah A, Herneth AM, Lang T, Gruber D, and Breitenseher MJ
- Subjects
- Activities of Daily Living, Adolescent, Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Bursa, Synovial diagnostic imaging, Bursa, Synovial pathology, Female, Humans, Humerus diagnostic imaging, Humerus pathology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Middle Aged, Muscle Contraction physiology, Prospective Studies, Range of Motion, Articular physiology, Rotation, Rotator Cuff diagnostic imaging, Rotator Cuff pathology, Rupture, Shoulder Pain physiopathology, Ultrasonography, Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Abstract
Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical impact of rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic volunteers., Materials and Methods: Sonographic examinations of the shoulder of 212 asymptomatic individuals between 18 and 85 years old were performed by a single experienced operator. The prevalence and location of complete rotator cuff tears were evaluated. The clinical assessment was based on the Constant Score. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder was obtained in those patients where US showed rotator cuff pathology., Results: Ultrasound showed a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon in 6% of 212 patients from 56 to 83 years of age (mean: 67 years). MRI confirmed a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon in 90%. All patients reported no functional deficits, although strength was significantly lower in the patient group with complete supraspinatus tendon tear (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: There is a higher prevalence in older individuals of rotator cuff tendon tears that cause no pain or decrease in activities of daily living.
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF