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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 6

Figure 7

Diagnosis and evaluation

How is rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) diagnosed?

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (or shoulder arthritis with a large rotator cuff tear) is diagnosed by a history of progressive loss of shoulder function, usually without an injury along with a physical examination showing weakness and grinding on movement and a typical appearance on X-ray. In these films the humeral head can be seen contacting the undersurface of the coracoacromial arch (see arrows). [Figure 6]

What tests may be used to diagnose rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?

The most important test for cuff tear arthropathy is the x-ray, characteristically showing rounding off of the humeral head as it contacts with the undersurface of the coracoacromial arch. [Figure 7]

Will diagnosing rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) cause pain, side effects, or invasive techniques? How are these dealt with?

There is usually no significant discomfort during the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

What health care professionals may help diagnose rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis of the shoulder associated with a massive cuff tear) is best diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon with experience in shoulder disorders.

How can a doctor specializing in rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) be found?

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. Certain doctors specialize in rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis of the shoulder associated with a massive cuff tear). Such individuals may be found in the shoulder services of major schools of medicine. Consultation by the Shoulder and Elbow Service at the University of Washington regarding the diagnosis and treatment of cuff tear arthropathy may be requested by using our online referrals website.

You can also call 206-598-0312 to make an appointment.

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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