Rotator Cuff Differential Diagnosis.

Last updated Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Figure 2

Tests

Screening tests

1. the axillary nerve (the anterior, middle, and posterior parts of the deltoid and the skin just above the deltoid insertion);
2. the radial nerve (the extensor pollicis longus and the skin over the first dorsal web space);
3. the median nerve (the opponens pollicis and the skin over the pulp of the index finger);
4. the ulnar nerve (the first dorsal interosseous and the skin over the pulp of the little finger); and
5. the musculocutaneous nerve (the biceps muscle and the skin over the lateral forearm).

The long thoracic nerve is checked by having the patient elevate the arm 60 degrees in the anterior sagittal plane while the examiner pushes down on the arm seeking winging of the scapula posteriorly. The nerve of the trapezius is checked by observing the strength of the shoulder shrug. Lesions of the suprascapular nerve produce weakness of elevation and external rotation without sensory loss.

Clinical conditions

Clinical conditions affecting these structures include:

1. cervical spondylosis involving C5 and C 6,
2. brachial plexopathy involving the suprascapular nerve,
3. traction injuries (as in the mechanism of an Erb's palsy),
4. suprascapular nerve entrapment at the suprascapular notch,
5. pressure on the inferior branch of the msuprascapular nerve from a ganglion cyst at the spinoglenoid notch,
6. traumatic severance in fractures, or
7. iatrogenic injury.

(Bacevich, 1976, Bauer and Vogelsang, 1962, Brogi, Laterza, 1979, Clein, 1975, Donovan and Kraft, 1974, Drez, 1976, Edeland and Zachrisson, 1975, Esslen, Flachsmann, 1967, Gelmers and Buys, 1977, Jackson, Farrage, 1995, Komar, 1976, Kopell and Thompson, 1963, Macnab, 1973, Macnab and Hastings, 1968, Murray, 1974, Picot, 1969, Rask, 1977, Rengachary, Neff, 1979, Schilf, 1952, Schneider, Adams, 1985, Solheim and Roaas, 1978, Strohm and Colachis, 1965, Weaver, 1983)

Cervical spondylosis involving the fifth and sixth cervical nerve route may imitate or mask rotator cuff involvement by producing pain in the lateral shoulder as well as weakness of shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Cervical radiculopathy is suggested if the patient has pain on neck extension or on turning the chin to the affected side. Pain of cervical origin more commonly includes the area of the trapezius muscle along with the area of the deltoid, and may radiate down the arm to the hand. Sensory, motor, or reflex abnormalities in the distribution of the 5th or 6th cervical nerve root provide additional diagnostic support for the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. Inasmuch as many asymptomatic patients have degenerative changes at the C5--C6 area, cervical spine radiographs are not a specific diagnostic tool. When mild cervical spondylosis is suspected, it is practical to implement a rehabilitation program, without an extensive diagnostic workup. This program includes gentle neck mobility exercises, isometric neck-strengthening exercises, home traction, and protection of the neck from aggravation positions during sleep If the condition is unresponsive or severe, additional evaluation by electromyography and/or MRI may be indicated.

Suprascapular neuropathy is characterized by dull pain over the shoulder exacerbated by movement of the shoulder, weakness in overhead activities, wasting of the supra and infraspinatus muscles, weakness of external rotation, and normal radiographic evaluation. This condition may arise from suprascapular nerve traction injuries, suprascapular nerve entrapment, brachial neuritis affecting the suprascapular nerve, or a spinoglenoid notch ganglion cyst. The first three should involve the nerve supply to both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus and are most easily differentiated by the history. Traction injuries to the suprascapular nerve are usually associated with a history of a violent downward pull on the shoulder and may be a part of a larger Erb's palsy-type injury to the brachial plexus. Suprascapular nerve entrapment may produce chronic recurrent pain and weakness aggravated by shoulder use. Finally, brachial neuritis often produces a rather intense pain lasting for several weeks, with the onset of weakness being noted as the pain subsides. A spinoglenoid notch ganglion usually arises from a defect in the posterior shoulder joint capsule and may press on the nerve to the infraspinatus as it passes through the notch. These cysts are well seen on MRI (see figure 2). Depending on the site of the suprascapular nerve lesion, electromyography may indicate involvement of the infraspinatus alone or involvement of this muscle along with the supraspinatus. None of these conditions should produce cuff defects on shoulder ultrasonography or arthrography.

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

How useful was this page or article? This article is rated out of 5 stars (47 ratings). Not useful at all Not very useful Useful Very useful Extremely useful