Rotator Cuff Tears: Predictive Factors for Management

.This week my review on Predictive Factors for Management of Rotator Cuff Tears was posted on Research Review Service.

This review integrated the results of two studies that investigated the effect of pain, tear size, location and humeral head migration on the clinical outcomes and risk of progression in patients with rotator cuff tears.

​As always, for a complete understanding of the study, please read the articles below. To access my review, please visit Research Review Service

The two studies reviewed:

1. Proximal Humeral Migration in Shoulders with Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears
2. Outcome of Nonoperative Treatment of Symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears Monitored by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Main findings:

• Proximal humeral migration was significantly related to rotator cuff tear size and the involvement of the infraspinatus tendon.
• Progression of rotator cuff tears was more likely to occur in patients older than 60 years, those involving a full-thickness tear, and in shoulders demonstrating fatty infiltration upon magnetic resonance imaging.

Clinical application:

​Conservative management alone may not be sufficient in those individuals presenting with the specific characteristics described above. Therefore, simultaneous referral for orthopaedic consultation would be warranted in prudent case management.