Could long-term overhead load in painters be associated with rotator cuff lesions? A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Occupational Health
• Radiology

Background:

• Arm elevation is a known risk factor for rotator cuff tears (RCT).
• Limited data exists on RCT prevalence in occupations with repetitive overhead arm use.
• Painters represent a unique cohort for studying occupational shoulder load.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze clinical and radiographic findings in painters with over 10 years of experience.
• To compare rotator cuff tear prevalence and shoulder function in painters versus a control group.
• To identify risk factors associated with occupational overhead work and RCT.

Main Methods:

• 100 painters with >10 years of experience were compared to 100 matched controls.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used for all participants.
• Clinical assessments included Constant score, DASH score, and range of motion (ROM).

Main Results:

• Rotator cuff tears (RCT) were found in 45% of painters vs. 8% of controls (p<0.001).
• Painful impingement tests were more frequent in painters (52% vs. 7%; p<0.001).
• Painters showed significantly lower Constant scores, worse DASH scores, and reduced shoulder ROM.

Conclusions:

• Long-term occupational overhead work in painters is associated with increased rotator cuff tear (RCT) risk.
• Findings support the need for preventive strategies targeting high-risk occupational groups.
• Age and occupational group membership were significant risk factors for RCT.