J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2013 Feb;48(1):54-60. 10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.1.54.

Massive Tear of the Rotator Cuff

• Kim YS
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 2106665
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.1.54

Abstract

Massive rotator cuff tear is defined by either a tear size of more than 5 cm or involvement of more than two rotator cuffs. In reality, among Asians, it is almost impossible to find a tear size larger than 5 cm and the latter definition preferred. Most massive rotator cuff tears are chronic and patients usually complain of gradual aggravation of pain or muscle weakness. Exact evaluation of past history along with an appropriate physical examination is necessary for the exact diagnosis and further treatment. As most massive rotator cuff tears are based on chronic factors, not only the tear site, but whole tendon quality may be poor, making anatomical reconstruction difficult. In addition to primary repair of the torn tendon, many other treatment options are available, such as physical therapy, biceps tenotomy/tenodesis, release of suprascapular nerve, repair with tissue augmentation, tendon transfer, or arthroplasty. These options should be selected carefully according to the symptoms.

Keyword

shoulder; rotator cuff; massive tear

MeSH Terms

Arthroplasty
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Humans
Muscle Weakness
Physical Examination
Rotator Cuff
Shoulder
Tendon Transfer
Tendons

Figure

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  Figure 1 The classification of supraspinatus muscle atrophy. Cited from the article of Warner et al. (Fig. 1) with permission.12)

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