Shoulder problems account for 2.4% of GP consultations in the United Kingdom and of those 70% are related to the rotator cuff. Many rotator cuff tears are of a degenerate nature but they can occur as a result of trauma in 8% of cases. Evidence suggests that patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears gain a better outcome in terms of pain and function if the tear is repaired early after injury. ...

The aim of this study was to define the microcirculation of the normal rotator cuff during arthroscopic surgery and investigate whether it is altered in diseased cuff tissue. Blood flow was measured intra-operatively by laser Doppler flowmetry. We investigated six different zones of each rotator cuff during the arthroscopic examination of 56 consecutive patients undergoing investigation for imp...

An adequate restoration of the muscle-tendon-bone unit is essential for a successful outcome after rotator cuff reconstruction. We describe a suture grasping technique for rotator cuff repair using suture anchors that can be performed either arthroscopically or during open rotator cuff refixation. The technique we use is a combination of a mattress and a single suture, thus representing the pri...

Coactivation of the rotator cuff is vital to glenohumeral joint stability by centralising the humeral head within the glenoid fossa. Yet in individuals with subacromial impingement, it is hypothesised that rotator cuff coactivation abnormalities are present that could contribute to their shoulder pain. The purpose of this study was to determine if abnormal rotator cuff coactivation and deltoid ...

Lateral reattachment of the rotator cuff and the more recent introduction of the double-row rotator cuff repair technique require adequate visualization to define the rotator cuff footprint and the greater tuberosity. In many cases extensive debridement in this area is required to remove the overlying subdeltoid bursa, which can impair visualization laterally on the proximal humerus. Inadequate...

Cysts of the greater tuberosity can be a normal finding independent of age and concurrent rotator cuff tear. The presence of a large greater tuberosity cyst can present a challenge at the time of rotator cuff repair. We present a 1-step arthroscopic technique to address these defects at the time of rotator cuff repair using a synthetic graft (OsteoBiologics, San Antonio, TX) originally designed...

BACKGROUND One possible cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff contact with the superior glenoid (cuff-glenoid contact) with the arm in flexion, as occurs during a Neer impingement sign. It has been assumed that the pain with a Neer impingement sign on physical examination of the shoulder was secondary to the rotator cuff making contact with the anterior and lateral acromion. QUESTIONS/PURPOS...

UNLABELLED Rotator cuff tears lead to debilitating shoulder dysfunction and impairment. The goal of rotator cuff repair is to eliminate pain and improve function with increased shoulder strength and range of motion. The clinical outcomes of the surgical methods of rotator cuff repair (open, mini-open, and all-arthroscopic cuff repair) vary, as each method provides an array of advantages and dis...

To better understand the natural history of rotator cuff disease and its treatment, it is crucial to find a reliable method of classifying or describing rotator cuff tears. We can then use this classification to identify appropriate treatments for each type of tear that lead to the best outcomes. There are many rotator cuff classification systems in use today, making it difficult to compare res...

BACKGROUND Rotator cuff tears are a very common condition that is often incapacitating. Whether non-surgical or surgical, successful management of rotator cuff disease is dependent on appropriate rehabilitation. If conservative management is insufficient, surgical repair is often indicated. Postsurgical outcomes for patients having had rotator cuff repair can be quite good. A successful outcome...