Rotator cuff tears in rheumatoid arthritis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Musculoskeletal Diseases

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease causing chronic joint inflammation.
• Chronic synovitis in RA can lead to secondary rotator cuff tendon erosion.
• This complication of RA is often overlooked, leading to misdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight rotator cuff tears as a complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
• To describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic methods for these tears.
• To outline appropriate management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Case study review of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and rotator cuff tears.
• Clinical examination and patient history analysis.
• Diagnostic imaging, specifically shoulder arthrography.

Main Results:

• Patients presented with sudden, increased unilateral shoulder pain and immobility.
• Symptoms were often mistaken for joint infection or RA flare.
• Shoulder arthrography accurately diagnosed the rotator cuff tears.

Conclusions:

• Rotator cuff tears secondary to rheumatoid arthritis synovitis require specific recognition.
• Prompt diagnosis via shoulder arthrography is crucial.
• Treatment involves conservative measures and intra-articular steroid injections.