Rotator cuff tear arthropathy can cause shoulder pain, weakness, stiffness, and difficulty lifting the arm. The condition develops when a longstanding rotator cuff tear changes how the shoulder joint moves and contributes to progressive joint damage.
As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brian Cohen provides individualized treatment for shoulder rotator cuff tear arthropathy in Columbus, OH. He evaluates the severity of the tendon damage, arthritis, weakness, and functional limitations before recommending nonsurgical care or shoulder surgery.
Anatomy of the Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that provide support and enable mobility. The rotator cuff muscles begin at the scapula or shoulder blade and are connected to the head of the humerus, which is the upper arm bone. The muscles and their tendons form a “cuff” around the ball-and-socket joint.
The four muscles of the rotator cuff are the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. These muscles help stabilize the shoulder joint and allow the shoulder to move smoothly. When a rotator cuff is torn, a tendon is no longer fully attached to the humerus and the shoulder joint’s stability and range of movement are affected.
Diagnosing Shoulder Cuff Tear Arthropathy
To diagnosis rotator cuff tear arthropathy, Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will obtain a complete “history of present illness” from you and conduct a focused, comprehensive physical exam to evaluate your shoulder for areas of tenderness, assess range of motion, and establish whether you have normal or decreased arm strength. Depending on the findings, they may order an X-ray, perform an ultrasound and/or order an MRI.
Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy Causes and Risk Factors
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy develops over time. Patients might have a rotator cuff tear for years without knowing it. Over time, the chronic rotator cuff tear leads to an unstable shoulder joint, which leads to proximal humeral migration and potentially the development of shoulder arthritis.
Shoulder cuff tear arthropathy occurs most often in individuals over the age of 65 and is more common in women than in men. It is more common in the dominant shoulder.
People are at a higher risk for shoulder cuff tear arthropathy if they have a rotator cuff tear, rheumatoid arthritis, crystalline-induced arthropathy, or a hemorrhagic shoulder.
Shoulder Cuff Tear Arthropathy Symptoms
The most common symptoms of shoulder cuff tear arthropathy include:
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Shoulder pain
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Weakness of the shoulder joint
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Swelling around the shoulder
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Loss of mobility
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Atrophy of the muscles around the shoulder joint
Symptoms of shoulder cuff arthropathy can be mild or severe.
Treatment Options
Nonsurgical Treatment
Depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s functional needs, nonsurgical treatment may include:
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Physical therapy
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Aquatic therapy
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
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Corticosteroid injections
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Activity modification
These treatments may help reduce pain and preserve function, although they do not repair the chronic rotator cuff tear or reverse advanced arthritis.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery may be considered when nonsurgical treatment no longer provides sufficient relief, shoulder function is significantly limited, and the patient is healthy enough to undergo a procedure.
Depending on the severity of the tendon damage, arthritis, pain, and weakness, surgical options may include:
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Arthroscopic debridement and removal of inflamed or damaged tissue
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Partial shoulder replacement in selected cases
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Reverse total shoulder replacement for advanced rotator cuff tear arthropathy
Dr. Cohen determines the most appropriate option based on the condition of the joint, remaining tendon function, overall health, and individual treatment goals.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Shoulder Cuff Tear Arthropathy Care in Columbus, OH
Shoulder cuff tear arthropathy can cause progressive pain, weakness, and loss of arm function. Dr. Cohen evaluates the condition of the rotator cuff and shoulder joint before recommending therapy, injections, arthroscopic treatment, or shoulder replacement when appropriate. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
