Abstract
Aims: Since several authors query the beneþt of surgical repair of rotator cuff tears, especially in the elderly patients, the purpose of our study was to observe patients with asymptomatic rotator cuff tears. Methods: A series of 235 patients were enrolled clinically during the time of hospitalization, additional ultrasound and X-ray examination of the shoulder was done. In 14 patients ultrasound revealed a clinical asymptomatic cuff tear, afþrmed by MR examination. All 14 patients were observed for 5 years with regular clinical and sonographic examination. Additional MRI was done at 5 year follow-up. Results: At the time of the last follow-up, only one patient developed speciþc symptoms, such as pain, nocturnal pain and weakness due to the cuff tear. Operative treatment for rotator cuff repair was scheduled. Active range of motion deceased from 180û to 167û in ßexion and from 178û to 165û in abduction. Also range of external and internal rotation decreased. Radiological aggravation of cuff arthropathy was observed in all cases. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that a rotator cuff tear can remain asymptomatic for years, although radiological signs of osteoarthrosis increases.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
