Acetabularization as a Protective Factor in Rotator Cuff Arthropathy

Objective  To check if shoulders with acetabularization have better functional results in cases of rotator cuff arthropathy. Methods  A clinical and radiological cross-sectional evaluation of 65 shoulders with rotator cuff arthropathy by measuring the range of motion (RoM) of the shoulder, the Constant-Murley score, and the radiological classifications of Hamada and Seebauer. The clinical findings were compared with the radiographic findings. Results  According to the classification of Seebauer, we observed better results regarding the RoM in type-A shoulders. There was a statistically significant difference regarding anterior elevation and medial rotation between types A and B ( p  < 0.05). Lateral rotation did not show a statistically significant difference between types A and B. The Constant-Murley score presented better results in type A, and there was a statistically significant difference between groups A and B ( p  < 0.05). According to the classification of Hamada, we observed that the RoM had better results in types 3, 2 and 1, and there was a statistically significant difference regarding anterior elevation and medial rotation ( p  < 0.05) compared with groups 4A, 4B and 5. There was no statistically significant difference between the Hamada groups regarding lateral rotation. According to Hamada, the Constant-Murley score showed better results in types 3, 1 and 2, and there was a statistically significant difference between groups 3 and 5. Conclusion  The RoM and shoulder function were better in patients with acetabularization (Seebauer 1A and Hamada 3), and worse in those with glenohumeral arthrosis (Seebauer 1B, 2B and Hamada 4A, 4B and 5).