Shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff tears: The combination of arthritis and rotator cuff tears is called rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The management of this condition requires thought and experience.
Edited By: Winston J. Warme, MD, Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D.
Last updated Thursday, January 13, 2005
Prognosis and impactsHow serious is rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)? Is rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) chronic? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) is a chronic condition that does not heal or improve
by itself. It is progressive in that over time the bone of the ball of
the shoulder (humeral head) and the overlying structures (the acromion
and the coracoacromial ligament) become progressively eroded. When
severe, special surgical procedures, such as a prosthetic replacement with at CTA head or a reverse Delta (reversed) prosthesis may be indicated in contrast to management with a total shoulder joint replacement.Is rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) deadly? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large rotator cuff tear) is not a lethal condition.
Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) cause pain? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) frequently causes pain and limited use of the arm.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) be debilitating? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) is progressive and as the condition worsens, the
shoulder becomes weaker, more painful and less useful.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) cause discomfort? Most individuals with rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder
arthritis with a large rotator cuff tear) have discomfort, especially
at night and when attempting to use the arm.Is rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) curable? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) is not curable. The degeneration of the rotator cuff
and joint surface cannot be reversed.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) change the patient?s ability to have children or get pregnant? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) usually occurs in individuals well past the
childbearing age.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) change the patient's independence? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) can severely limit the use of the arm to the point
that the individual cannot use it in caring for themselves or in
performing activities of daily living.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) change the patient's ability to move about? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) reduces the individual’s ability to move the
arm. It reduces the strength and the comfort of these movements.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) alter activities of daily living (e.g. work, sports, housework, etc.)? Persons with rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with
a large rotator cuff tear) often have difficulty with sports, housework
and other activities of daily living.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) cause fatigue or changes in metabolism? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) is usually accompanied by fatigue of the involved
shoulder.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) require a change in diet? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large rotator cuff tear) is unaffected by diet.Will rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) have implications for relationships, social support, and interactions with family? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) may make sleeping, hugging, dancing and other social
activities difficult.What other impacts might rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) have on the patient's life? Is it contagious, disfiguring, etc.? Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) is not contagious. Swelling of the shoulder often
associated with this condition may be disfiguring.
Surgery for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.
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