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: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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What is rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) is a severe and complex form of shoulder arthritis
in which the shoulder has lost not only the cartilage that normally
covers its joint surface, but also the tendons of the rotator cuff tear
which help position and power the joint.
Normally, the tendons of the rotator cuff (large arrows) allow
smooth motion of the upper end of the arm bone (humerus) beneath the
overlying bones and muscles. [Figure 1]
When the rotator cuff is degenerated, chronically torn or otherwise
deficient, the normally smooth upper surface of the upper end of the
arm bone (humeral head) is unprotected from rubbing with the
undersurface of the bone and ligaments above as shown by the large
arrow.[Figure 2]
In cuff tear arthropathy, the upper surface of the ball of the upper
arm bone (humeral head) becomes roughened as it rubs against the
overlying bone (the acromion) as shown by the arrow [Figure 3]. This
condition results in shoulder pain, weakness, stiffness and grinding on
movement.
Treatment options for cuff tear arthropathy include partial joint replacement with a cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) prosthesis. If severe instability of the joint complicates cuff tear arthropathy, a reversed (reverse Delta) prosthesis may be indicated.
What symptoms indicate that rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) needs immediate medical attention?
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large
rotator cuff tear) is a chronic condition and rarely needs immediate
attention.
At times, however, there is a great degree of swelling around the
shoulder that causes increased pain. If this swelling is associated
with redness and fever, the possibility of infection needs to be
considered. Under these conditions, a physician should examine the
individual immediately.What are some common misconceptions (common misunderstandings or myths) about rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?
In the past, it was thought that rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or
shoulder arthritis with a large rotator cuff tear) could be treated as
either an isolated problem of the rotator cuff or as an isolated
problem of the joint surface. It is now recognized that both elements
of the condition must be considered in the treatment.
Surgery for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington
If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-BONE (2663) to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA
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