Pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis of the shoulder

Abstract Background Clinical presentation of massive rotator cuff tears range from pain to loss active motion. Pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis are defined inconsistently in the literature, but both include limited with maintained passive Objective This article aims provide a consistent definition pseudoparalysis shoulder show structural biomechanical differences between these two types tear their implications for treatment. Methods A literature review including key basic papers discussing clinical symptoms, differences, impact on therapeutic options was performed. Results Biomechanically, (active scapular plane abduction <45°) 45–90°) exist. For posterosuperior tears, integrity inferior subscapularis tendon is most predictive factor humeral elevation. Patients have higher grade involvement (>50%) fatty infiltration muscle. Treatment depend acuteness repairability tear. Rotator repair can reliably reverse motion acute reparable tears. In chronic irreparable cases total arthroplasty reliable treatment option elderly patients. Conclusion The concise that leads (<45° elevation) free absence neurologic deficits as reason important difference pseudoparalytic pseudoparetic elevation shoulder. Decision-making surgical depends more reparability patient age than differentiation pseudoparesis.