Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to inspect the status of the rotator cuff and the shape of the acromion. To clarify the relationship between acromial shapes and rotator cuff tears, we evaluated magnetic resonance images obtained in 192 shoulders. We classified the acromial shapes into 3 types: type I (flat), type II (curved), and type III (hooked). Among a group of 91 shoulders wit...

Despite the development of various therapeutic options, surgical management irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) remains controversial. Recently, implantation a biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer (InSpace, Stryker Corporation; Kalamazoo, MI) has gained considerable interest for treatment certain IRCTs. The reported outcome not been consistent, likely due to differing indications and tec...

BACKGROUND Massive rotator cuff tears pose a difficult and complex challenge even for the experienced surgeon; inability to repair these tears by conventional means designates them as irreparable, while management becomes quite taxing. Several operative options have been suggested for the management of such lesions with varying degrees of success, while it is imperative to match patient demands...

BACKGROUND Despite the high prevalence of rotator cuff disease in the aging adult population, the basic mechanisms initiating the disease are not known. It is known that changes occur at both the bone and tendon after rotator cuff tears. However, no study has focused on early or "pretear" rotator cuff disease states. The purpose of this study was to compare the bone mineral density of the great...

Various classifications of rotator cuff tears have been proposed. Many authors currently define a tear as massive if there is a detachment of at least 2 complete tendons. Whereas small tears can occur without symptoms, massive tears are always associated with weakness and, especially in young patients, often with painful disability. Massive tears are only rarely due to an acute injury; rather, ...

BACKGROUND The role of nonoperative management for rotator cuff tears remains a matter of debate. Clinical results reported in the literature mainly consist of level IV studies, oftentimes combining a mixed bag of tear sizes and configurations, and are contradictory to some extent. METHODS A selective literature search was performed and personal surgical experiences are reported. RESULTS Mo...

Rotator cuff tears are common and are a frequent source of shoulder pain and disability. A wide variation in the prevalence of rotator cuff tears has been reported. The etiology of rotator cuff tear remains multifactorial and attempts to unify intrinsic and extrinsic theories tried to explain the etiopathogenesis of rotator cuff tears. Knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of rotator cuff tears is ...

BACKGROUND Rotator cuff tears are very common and their incidence increases with age. Shoulder ultrasonography has recently gained popularity in detecting rotator cuff tears because of its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, time-saving, and real-time nature of the procedure. Well-trained orthopedic surgeons may utilize shoulder ultrasonography to diagnose rotator cuff tears. The wait time of patie...