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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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Figure 4

Figure 5

Symptoms

What parts of the body does rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) affect?

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large rotator cuff tear) affects the shoulder joint surface (see single large arrow) [Figure 4] and the rotator cuff that normally overlies it (see double large arrows) [Figure 5]. 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.

What are some initial warning signs of 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) may initially give symptoms of shoulder weakness , swelling and grinding on motion.

What are symptoms of rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?

Individuals with rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large rotator cuff tear) usually have weakness of the shoulder, especially on overhead use of the arm, stiffness, grinding on use of the shoulder and occasionally swelling of the upper arm.

How do the symptoms of rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) change over time?

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large rotator cuff tear) is a progressive condition with increasing weakness, stiffness, grinding and swelling over time.

What are the indirect effects of 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) can lead to progressive destruction of the bone of the arm bone (humeral head) and the socket of the shoulder blade (glenoid part of the scapula).

What conditions have similar sympoms or might be confused with 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) produces symptoms that are similar to those of other forms of shoulder arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease.

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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