[The phenomena of irradiating pain in rotator cuff tear: quantitative analysis]

The aim of this study was the quantitative analysis of the phenomena of pain radiation in the case of rotator cuff tear. The clinical material concerns 97 patients, age range from 45 to 86 years. Radiating pain was noted in 33 cases; radiation into distal part of arm--12.4%, elbow--9.3%, forearm--6.2%, hand--1%, hand and thumb 2.1%, 5th finger--1.0%, neck--1.0% and into axilla--1.0%. The radiation of pain was provoked by one finger pressure over tender point (84.8%) or by impingement sign (15.2%). Next the impingement test was performed and additionally supplemented by intraarticular lidocaine injection in 5 cases. Radiation of pain disappeared completely in 26 cases, partly in 6 and persisted in one.