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Rotator cuff tear--relationship between clinical and anatomopathological findings
N Gschwend1, D Ivosević-Radovanović, D Patte
1Klinik W. Schulthess, Zürich, Switzerland.
Archives of Orthopaedic and Traumatic Surgery. Archiv Fur Orthopadische Und Unfall-Chirurgie
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) vary in severity. Smaller tears often cause only pain, while larger tears lead to pain and pseudoparalysis, impacting surgical outcomes. Understanding tear size and location is key for predicting results.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Research
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are common, particularly with aging.
- A significant number of RCTs do not result in severe disability requiring surgery.
- The relationship between tear characteristics and clinical presentation needs further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between the size and site of rotator cuff tears and their clinical symptoms.
- To evaluate the influence of tear characteristics on postoperative outcomes.
- To compare findings with existing classifications and studies.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 76 patients undergoing rotator cuff tear surgery.
- Classification of tears into four groups based on size and site using the D. Patte classification system.
- Comparison of data with a previous study of 256 cases.
Main Results:
- 56.5% of tears were smaller (Groups I and II), involving supraspinatous and/or subscapularis.
- Group I tears presented solely with pain (100%).
- Larger tears (Groups III and IV) frequently presented with mixed symptoms (pain and pseudoparalysis).
- Surgical treatment provided satisfactory pain relief across all tear groups.
- Active range of motion improvement correlated with tear severity.
Conclusions:
- Tear size and location significantly influence clinical symptoms, progressing from pain to pseudoparalysis.
- While surgery effectively manages pain, functional recovery (ROM) is dependent on the initial severity of the rotator cuff tear.
- The D. Patte classification provides a useful framework for understanding RCTs and their impact on surgical results.