Rotator Cuff Tear Flashcards Preview

Orthopaedics > Rotator Cuff Tear > Flashcards

Flashcards in Rotator Cuff Tear Deck (11)
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1
Q

What are the tendons of the rotator cuff

A

SITS Supraspinatus Infraspinatus Teres minor Subscapularis

2
Q

What does the supraspinatus do

A

Abductor

3
Q

What does the infraspinatus do

A

External rotator

4
Q

What does teres minor do

A

External rotator

5
Q

What does the subscapularis do

A

Internal rotator

6
Q

What sign on examination might indicate a rotator cuff tear

A

Difficulty initiating abduction OR Humeral head rising up on abduction

7
Q

What are the causes of rotator cuff tears

A

Acute tear - trauma Degenerative tear:- Repetitive stress Lack of blood supply - blood supply to rotator cuffs decreases with age Bone spurs - on the underside of the acromion (causing shoulder impingement and over time can lead to rotator tendon tear)

8
Q

What imagine would you request for a suspected rotator cuff tear

A

X-rays - looking for bone spurs MRI or ultrasound - better for looking at soft tissue

9
Q

How can you manage a rotator cuff tear

A

Non-surgical:-

  • Rest
  • Avoid activities that cause shoulder pain
  • NSAIDs
  • Physiotherapy
  • Steroid injection

Surgical:-

  • Rotator cuff repair - re-attaching the tendon to the head of the humerus
10
Q

What are the complications of rotator cuff surgery

A

General:-

  • Infection
  • Adverse reactions to anaesthesia

Specific:-

  • Permanent stiffness
  • Length recovery time (sometimes)
11
Q

What are the disadvantages of non-surgical treatment

A

No improvements in strength

Size of tear may increase over time

Activities may need to be limited