Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis performed without repairing the rotator cuff defect. Methods. A total of 99 patients who underwent treatment between December 2013 and August 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were reviewed pre- and postoperatively according to the location, size, physical characteristics, and radiological features of the calcific deposits. Additionally, the influence of any residual calcific deposits shown on postoperative radiographs was explored. The healing rate of the unrepaired cuff defect was determined by reviewing the 29 patients who had follow-up MRIs. Results. Statistically significant improvement from pre- to postoperation was seen in all VAS and ASES scores for each group, but no statistical differences were seen between the postoperative scores according to the differences in the features of the calcific deposits. When residual calcification was observed postoperatively, the mean ASES and VAS (rest) scores improved significantly to 95.0 (SD 5.6) and 0.0 (SD 0.0), respectively (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001), and did not differ from those who had the complete removal. Of 29 patients who had follow-up MRIs, six (20.7%) showed signs of an interstitial tear. This group’s mean postoperative ASES and VAS (rest) scores improved to excellent levels of 96.0 (SD 3.7) and 0.0 (SD 0.0), respectively, and were similar to those of the 23 patients with normal MRI appearances. Conclusion. Arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits without repairing the rotator cuff defect resulted in significant improvement in function and pain level, regardless of the deposit’s location, size, type, and whether or not complete excision was achieved. Despite leaving the defects unrepaired, in the limited number of patients with follow-up MRIs, 23 of 29 patients (79.3%) showed good healing, and the rest, who had persistent signs of interstitial defects on the MRIs, still had excellent outcomes. The removal of calcific deposits without repairing the cuff defects provided excellent outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):663–667

Purpose: Massive rotator cuff defects are often associated with incapacitating pain and severe functional impairment and pose a difficult management problem. Introduction: Tears of the rotator cuff are a common orthopaedic condition. The surgical treatment for such defects is varied and include simple debridement, “balanced” repair, local musculotendinous transfers, and autograft or allograft tendon grafts. This study was designed to evaluate the mid-term results of porcine dermal xenograft tendon grafts in the treatment of chronic, massive rotator cuff defects. Method: Ten patients with a mean age of 64.9 years (46 – 80), 5 male, 5 female, with mean cuff defects of 4.5 cm, were selected from the waiting list to undergo an open subacromial decompression and grafting of the rotator cuff defect with a PDX patch. The patients were then subjected to the standard post-operative rehabilitation regime. All patients were assessed pre-operatively and at six weeks, three months, six months, and one year using the Constant score and Mini-DASH questionnaire. The study had the approval of the regional ethics committee. Results: All ten patients were followed up and demonstrated excellent pain relief from the procedure. Pain scores improved from 6.7 pre-operatively to 13.9 at 12 months. At the same time intervals function score improved from 12.1 to 15.7, range of movement from 13.6 to 21.4, power from 5.1 to 10.9, Constant score from 39.6 to 56.9 and finally the DASH score from 26 to 17.9. There were no major post-op complications and the graft did not cause any adverse reaction. Subjective and functional results improved to six months from pre-op values, but at one year, with the exception of pain, the results were slightly less good but still improved. Conclusion: This procedure offers an alternative method of managing massive rotator cuff tears. It simplifies the surgery with no tension on the repair and may reduce the requirement for prolonged splintage. Pain relief is excellent and there have been no reported adverse effects to the graft

A rotator cuff tear is one of the most common traumatic and degenerative tendon injuries resulting in over 4.5 million physician visits in the US alone. Functional restoration of rotator cuff defects usually requires surgical repair, estimated at 300,000 cased in the US annually. However, postoperative retear of repaired tendons ranges from 20% in small to medium tears to over 90% in large and massive tears. Recently, augmentation with grafting materials to strengthen a reparable tear or to bridge an unrepairable defect has become a common and attractive strategy to reduce the retear rate, especially for large or massive tears. Current graft materials, however, have encountered great challenges in achieving these goals. To meet these challenges, we have developed an engineered tendon with layered tendon-fibrocartilage-bone composite (TFBC) from patellar-tibia unit revitalized by seeding bone marrow derived stem cells (BMDSCs) within the slices, and then reassembled to an engineered tendon. Both in vitro and in vivo results have shown that engineered TFBC enhance the biomechanical strength and biological healing using canine model

Surgical repair of rotator cuff tears have high failure rates (20–70%), often due to a lack of biological healing. Augmenting repairs with extracellular matrix-based scaffolds is a common option for surgeons, although to date, no commercially available product has proven to be effective. In this study, a novel collagen scaffold was assessed for its efficacy in augmenting rotator cuff repair. The collagen scaffold was assessed in vitro for cytocompatability and retention of tenocyte phenotype using alamarBLUE assays, confocal imaging and real-time PCR. Immunogenicity was assessed in vitro by the activation of pre-macrophage cells. In vivo, using a modified rat rotator cuff defect model, supraspinatus tendon repairs were carried out in 46 animals. Overlay augmentation with the collagen scaffold was compared to unaugmented repairs. At 6- and 12-weeks post-op the repairs were tested biomechanically to evaluate repair strength, and histologically for quality of healing. The collagen scaffold supported human tenocyte growth in vitro, with cells appearing morphologically tenocytic and expressing higher tendon gene markers compared to plastic controls. No immunogenic responses were provoked compared to suture material control. In vivo, augmentation with the scaffold improved the histological scores at 12 weeks (8.37/15 vs. 6.43/15, p=0.0317). However, no significant difference was detected on mechanical testing. While the collagen scaffold improved the quality of healing of the tendon, a meaningful increase in biomechanical strength was not achieved. This is likely due to its inability to affect the bone-tendon junction. Future materials/orthobiologics must target both the repaired tendon and the regenerating bone-tendon junction

Introduction and Aims: Large or recurrent rotator cuff tendon tears are difficult to treat effectively. Collagen bio-scaffolds have become available to reinforce a tendon repair or as an interpositional graft. This study compares the suitability of two collagen bio-scaffolds for autologous tenocyte implantation, and assesses the in vivo rotator cuff healing response with these grafts in a rabbit model. Method: Tenocytes were isolated from rabbit tendon, cultured and seeded onto the Restore patch (DePuy), or the Matricel (Verigen) collagen membrane. Serial scanning electron microscopy examined tenocyte integration with the bio-scaffold, and extra-cellular matrix synthesis over time. A rotator cuff tendon defect was created in 50 rabbits and repaired by either: a) direct suture to tuberosity; b) Matricel interposition graft; c) Matricel interposition with autologous tenocytes; d) Restore patch interposition graft; e) Restore patch interposition with autologous tenocytes. Gross and histological evaluation were performed at four weeks and eight weeks post-surgery. Results: Scanning electron microscopy of the Matricel membrane showed a rough surface characterised by a loose arrangement of collagen fibres capable of cell adhesion. SEM at one, three and five days after cell seeding, showed progressive integration of tenocytes into the three-dimensional membrane structure with extra-cellular matrix neosynthesis in the spaces between the native collagen fibres. SEM of the Restore patch showed a relatively smooth surface of highly compacted collagen fibres. Serial SEM after cell seeding showed relatively less tenocyte integration onto the membrane surface though tenocyte replication and matrix neo-synthesis was observed. All 50 rabbits regained normal gait at two weeks post-surgery. At sacrifice, no tendon ruptures had occurred at either time point in any of the five groups. At four weeks, the Matricel and Restore bio-scaffold membranes were partially absorbed, and a florid lymphocytic inflammatory response was evident surrounding the remaining membrane. By eight weeks, graft tissue had been resorbed further, the inflammatory response had decreased, and the regenerating tendon showed progressive remodelling. Autologous tenocyte implantation on both membranes improved the reparative tendon histological grade at eight weeks compared to membranes without cell implantation, and was equivalent to the direct repair group. Conclusion: Autologous tenocytes can be implanted onto both Matricel and Restore collagen bio-scaffolds. Though both Xeno grafts induce an anti-inflammatory response in vivo, membrane resorption subsequently occurs. The healing response of large rotator cuff defects treated with interpositional collagen grafts is improved with autologous tenocyte implantation in a rabbit model

Large and retracted rotator cuff tendon tears fail to repair, or re-tear following surgical intervention. This study attempted to develop novel tissue engineering approaches using tenocytes-seeded bioscaffolds for tendon reconstruction of massive rotator cuff tendon defect in rabbits. Porcine small intestine submucosa (Restore™) and type I/III collagen bioscaffold (ACI-MaixTM) were chosen as bioscaffold carriers for autologous tenocytes. Biological characterization of autologous tenocytes was conducted prior to the implantation. The tenocyte-seeded bioscaffolds were implanted as interposition grafts to reconstruct massive rotator cuff tendon defects in rabbits. In situ re-implantation of the autologous rotator cuff tendon, excised during defect creation served as a positive control. Histological outcomes were analysed and semi-quantitatively graded at four and eight weeks after surgery. The results demonstrate that at four weeks both tenocyte-seeded bioscaffolds display inflammatory reaction similar to bioscaffold-only cuff reconstruction and the histological grading were inferior to control repair. However, at eight weeks inflammatory reaction of both tenocyte-seeded bioscaffolds were dramatically reduced as compared to bioscaffold alone. In addition, bioscaf-folds seeded with tenocytes generated similar histological appearance to that of the positive control. The implantation of autologous tenocytes on collagen-based bioscaffold offers improved rotator cuff tendon healing and remodelling compared to the implantation of bioscaffold alone

Purpose: With this retrospective study, the results of rotator cuff repairs in patients of 60 years and older were compared to patients younger 60. Methods: 76 patients with an average age of 65 years (60–78 years, group A) and 167 patients younger 60 years (group B) were clinical (Constant – score) and sonographical examined after follow-up of 2 years after reconstruction of the rotator cuff. Results: In group A, 24 one-, 37 two-, 11 three- and 4 four-tendon tears were treated and the average age and gender adjusted Constant-score was 90,4% (13–126%). 29% showed sonographical signs of a re-defect. In group B, 56 one-, 69 two-, 33 three-, and 9 four-tendon tears were treated and the average age and gender adjusted Constant-score was 81,1% (15–116%). 32% showed sonographical signs of a re-defect. Conclusion: Both groups did not show significant differences regarding clinical results in the Constant-score size of the rotator cuff defect or occurrence of re-tears. The results in patients older 60 were even better than in younger patients, therefore the older age of the patient should not be primary reason for not repairing a symptomatic rotator cuff tear

Various surgical treatment were reported on rheumatoid shoulder. However, there were no recommended surgeries in the Japanese 2. nd. basic published text of rheumatoid disease. We had performed total shoulder arthroplasty(TSA) and humeral head replacement (HHR) in patient with Rheumatoid shoulder from 1992. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of humeral head replacement, 2. nd. generation TSA and 3. rd. generation TSA in patients followed more than 5 years with rheumatoid shoulder. Material & Method. From 1992–2007, we performed shoulder arthroplasty in 42 shoulders in 40 patients. Six cases were not able to follow due to die and lost. All 36 shoulders in 34 patients could be followed with x-ray examinations more than 5 years. Averaged follow-up period was 8.6 years (range 5–14.5). HHR with intact cuff performed in 10 shoulders, 2. nd. generation TSA with intact cuff in 10, 3. rd. generation TSA in intact cuff in 10 and HHR with muscle tendon transfer in 6 shoulders. The shoulder score of Japanese Orthopaedic Association)JOA score. Modified Neer classification, ROM, lucent lines in X-ray and complications were investigated. Results. In JOA score, 3. rd. generation TSA revealed highest score (84 points). Also, in Modified Neer classification, excellent results were obtained 50% of cases in 3. rd. generation TSA. On the other hand, HHR with muscle tendon transfer group has no cases of excellent results. In flexion & external rotation, 3. rd. generation TSA had achieved satisfactory results. In X-ray, all glenoid component had a lucent line around the keel type glenoid in 2. nd. generation TSA. However, only 1.6 points in Lazarus claasification revealed in peg type component in 3. rd. generation TSA. No nerve injuries and instability were found after surgery. However, two infections and two glenoid resurfacing need after surgery. Discussion. In this mid-term results, 3. rd. generation type of TSA system could get favorable results in RA shoulders with intact cuff. However, the treatment for rheumatoid shoulder cases which has masssive rotator cuff defect is still remained as difficult problem

Introduction: New biotechnologies create opportunities for gene therapy to promote rotator cuff healing. We have previously demonstrated that genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) over expressing BMP-2 and SMAD8 signaling molecule differentiate to tenocytes in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we hypothesized that rotator cuff defect could be regenerated using genetically engineered MSCs. Method: Nonviral methods were utilized to establish genetically engineered MSCs that co-express BMP-2 and the Smad8 signaling molecule. A previously validated animal model was utilized to examine rotator cuff healing. A 2mm x2mm full thickness defect was created in the infraspinatus tendon of 8 nude rats. A collagen-I biomembrane (TissueMend) containing 3 x 10. 6. engineered cells was sewn into the defect. An identical control procedure was repeated on the contralateral side with biomembrane containing non-engineered MSCs. Results: 4 weeks post implantation the area of implantation was isolated and analyzed by light microscopy and histochemical staining. Analysis of the engineered implants revealed the formation of dense connective tissue with parallel-organized fibers and spindle shaped cells, unlike the control samples. Proton Double Quantum Filtered Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique of the rotator cuff tendons demonstrated an increased presence of organized collagen fibers within the engineered rotator cuff tissue when compared with either native rotator cuff or those treated with non-engineered MSCs. Conclusion: This is the first report showing rotator cuff tendon repair using genetically engineered MSCs. Moreover these findings may have considerable importance for tendon healing and may indicate a clinical gene therapy platform to augment surgical repair

Shoulder rotator cuff tears can be very debilitating and painful. Whilst massive tears may defy attempts at surgical repair due to the size of the defect, various biological materials have been proposed to reinforce tenuous repairs; initial results have been promising. It has been suggested that these materials may be used to bridge defects in the rotator cuff as a ‘patch’ or ‘interposition implant’ to provide pain relief and even offer some hope of functional recovery. A porcine dermal collagen implant (Permacol ©) has been engineered and introduced for the repair and reconstruction of soft tissues in the human body. In orthopaedics, it has been successfully used in the reinforcement and augmentation of rotator cuff repairs by suturing it over the repaired tendon. Proper et al reported good short term results in using this implant to bridge defects in massive rotator cuff tears and suggested it was good solution for this group of patients, reporting improvement in all aspects of the Constant Score. We have used Permacol © to reinforce cuff repairs with satisfactory results and thus considered its use as a salvage procedure to bridge massive rotator cuff defects, both of traumatic and degenerate origins. Unfortunately, we have seen with great concern that our results have been less than satisfactory. In a cohort of 20 patients who underwent Permacol © interposition / rotator cuff repair, 4 of these have failed, despite a promising initial recovery phase with good pain relief. We believe that use of this and similar implants to bridge a defect in the cuff is not indicated; MRI and dynamic ultrasound examination showed an inflammatory response in the shoulder, and resulting weakness/failure of the implant. We present clinical, radiographic, and histological findings of our experience and a discussion as to the probable cause for the failure of this implant in this particular group of patients

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid and long-term results of the open repair of the rotator cuff tears in patients where pain of the shoulder was the primary and function the secondary consideration. Material – Method: the study includes 48 patients, out of a total 64, operated on during the period 1985–2001 for full-thickness massive tears of the rotator cuff. The average age was fifty-two years. In all but six the main symptom was persistent pain resulting from a chronic tear. This group had clinical evidence of a rotator cuff defect in the form of weakness and limited range of active motion. The six additional patients suffered from acute tears following trauma and were led to early surgical repair. Their characteristic sign was extensive limitation of active motion, whereas the passive movements were near normal. The operation performed was the anterior acromioplasty with cuff repair through an anterosuperior incision. Several techniques were employed to advance the retracted tendons to their insertions, in the large and massive chronic tears. No patient had transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon to bridge the gap in the rotator cuff. Results: The clinical evaluation according to the rating system of UCLA showed 36 excellent, 9 good and 3 fair results. There was no poor result after an average follow-up 7,4 years. Conclusions: The present series indicates that reconstruction of a torn rotator cuff can be successful in the majority of patients. Careful preoperative evaluation and planning is of great value in arranging the surgical technique. In large and massive chronic tears the retracted infl exible muscles do not allow easy advancement of their tendons in order to be securely fixed to the greater tubercle. Therefore the surgeon should be familiar with special techniques to achieve a so-called watertight repair, which is necessary for a long-lasting good result

Aim: To evaluate the role and outcome of FFTSA in shoulders with arthritis and/or irreparable rotator cuff tears. Materials. The records of 60 consecutive patients with FFTSA were retrospectively reviewed. Primary FFTSA (group 1) was performed in 29 (48%), revision FFTSA (group 2) in 26 (43%), and re-revision FFTSA (group 3) in 5 (9%) patients. The mean age at primary FFTSA was 70 years (37 – 82), and at revision FFTSA, 67.6 years (38 – 89) at a mean interval of 38 months after primary intervention. In re-revision FFTSA the interval between the primary (mean age 64 years) and final (mean age 68.4 years) interventions varied from 20 to 148 months. Primary FFTSA was performed for cuff arthropathy in 18 (62%) and after trauma in 5 (17%): all 29 patients had rotator cuff insufficiency. Revision FFTSA was performed for failure of humeral head replacement (HHR) after fracture in 17 (65%) of which 14 had rotator cuff insufficiency. All those in group 3 had rotator cuff insufficiency. The dominant indication for intervention was pain in 59 cases. The glenoid component was uncemented in all cases. The humeral component was cemented in 27 of the 29 Primary FFTSA. CADCAM variations of the standard humeral design were used in 8 cases. Results. At a mean follow-up of 25 months, 81% of primary FFTSA had no or mild pain, and 87.5% were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome: both outcomes were independent of the original rotator cuff defect. At a mean follow-up of 41 months, 69% of revision FFTSA had no or mild pain, and 68 % were satisfied or very satisfied: the least satisfied patients were those in which a previous HHR for fracture had been the primary intervention. There were 3 complications in group 1, 2 in group 2, and 2 in group 3. In 4 patients with deficient deltoid function, 3 were satisfied with the eventual outcome. Conclusion. FFTSA has a clear role in the management of shoulders in which the rotator cuff has failed and a joint replacement is required for pain relief

The August 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup360 looks at: Motor control or strengthening exercises for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain? A multi-arm randomized controlled trial; Does the choice of antibiotic prophylaxis influence reoperation rate in primary shoulder arthroplasty?; Common shoulder injuries in sport: grading the evidence; The use of medial support screw was associated with axillary nerve injury after plate fixation of proximal humeral fracture using a minimally invasive deltoid-splitting approach; MRI predicts outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with lateral epicondylitis; Association between surgeon volume and patient outcomes after elective shoulder arthroplasty; Arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis without cuff repair; Functional outcome after nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity fractures and predictors of poorer patient experience.

Introduction. Definition-in this presentation, the discussion will not include reparable cuff deficiency, as this is handled with standard arthroplasty techniques combined with cuff repair. Factors that affect decision-making. Kinematics-fixed fulcrum or not. Bone loss. Deltoid integrity. Coracoacromial arch integrity. Age. Activity level. Options. Hemiarthroplasty. “ Extended head” hemiarthroplasty. Arthroplasty + tendon transfer. Constrained arthroplasty – currently not FDA approved in USA. Arthrodesis. Evaluation. History and physical examination. ? Prior surgery. ? Overhead function – does fixed-fulcrum kinematics exist even if the head is not centred. ? Anterosuperior instability – lack of fixedfulcrum kinematics. Cuff strength. Deltoid integrity. Radiographs – bone loss, especially glenoid. Other imaging studies not necessary. Arthroplasty. Hemiarthroplasty. Best if fixed fulcrum kinematics exists – intact CA arch, intact deltoid, at or above shoulder elevation. Technical considerations. Preserve deltoid. Preserve coracoacromial ligament, acromion. ? Preserve remaining subscapularis – make humeral cut superiorly, through the rotator cuff defect. Alternatively, take down subscapularis and capsule in one layer, mobilise and repair or transpose superiorly. Increase retroversion of humeral cut- be careful of posterior cuff (teres minor) attachment. Glenoid deficiency – especially if anterior or anterosuperior instability is present. May need to graft glenoid with head. Humeral head size-the same size or slightly larger than the one removed; avoid overstuffing. “Extended head” hemiarthroplasty (CTA head). Indications same as hemiarthroplasty. Advantages. Provides resurfacing of greater tuberosity, which is articulating with the acromion and often irregular. Potentially improves kinematics by providing a “pain free” fulcrum. Technical considerations. Difficult but not impossible to do through a superior, subscapularis sparing approach. Special jig required for cutting tuberosity. Preserve CA arch. Preserve deltoid. Increase retroversion (be careful of remaining posterior cuff attachment). Glenoid deficiency – especially if anterior or anterosuperior instability is present. May need to graft glenoid with head. Humeral head size-the same size or slightly larger than the one removed; avoid overstuffing. Hemiarthroplasty + tendon transfer. Indications. Complete subscapularis deficiency. Posterior cuff insufficiency with anterosuperior subluxation or dislocation. Techniques. Latissimus transfer – posterior cuff insufficiency. Pectoralis major transfer – subscapularis insufficiency. Deep to conjoined tendon (Resch). Superficial to conjoined tendon (Rockwood and Wirth). Combined. Constrained arthroplasty. Not FDA approved in US. Delta III – reverse prosthesis. Reasonable results with medium-term follow-up in Europe (5–10 years). Rehabilitation. Limited goals. Primary goals are pain relief and stability. Passive flexion to 90°, passive ER to 30° for 4 weeks. Advance stretches and add active range of motion and active assisted range of motion (overhead pulley) at 4 weeks. Strengthening – 6 weeks. Results. Less predictable and less functional overall than most other disease categories (e.g., OA). Average elevation in most series is 120°. Usually good pain relief except in patients with anterosuperior subluxation

We report a long term experience on massive rotator cuff tears treated by the means of a nonresorbable transosseously fixed patch combined with a subacromial decompression. From December 1996 until August 2002, a total of 41 patients were treated with a synthetic interposition graft and subacromial decompression. All patients had a preoperative ultrasound evidence of a primary massive full-thickness tear that was thought to be irreparable by simple suture. All patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using the Constant and Murley score, DASH questionnaire, Simple Shoulder Test, VAS scale for pain, ultrasound and plain radiographs. The patients consisted of 23 men and 18 women aged 51–80 years (mean 67 years). We had a lost of follow up of 6 patients. One patient had a total shoulder arthroplasty at 7.7 years and one patient had a redo with a new synthetic graft at 9.6 years. They were followed up for a mean of 7.2 years. Their mean preoperative Constant and Murley score improved from 25.7 preoperatively to 69.6. Similar improvements were seen with the DASH score (56.6 to 23.3), SST (1.2 to 7.9) and VAS scale (75.4 to 14.1). Anatomically, the repair resulted in mean acromio-humeral interval of 6.6 mm. Ultrasound showed a further degeneration of the rotator cuff with tears posteriorly from the interposition graft. In 67.7% of all patients the graft was continuous present. Histology – obtained from one patient scheduled for a reversed shoulder arthroplasty- showed partial ingrowth of peri-tendinous tissue. Despite ongoing degeneration of the cuff in nearly half our population, restoring a massive rotator cuff defect with a synthetic interposition graft and subacromial decompression can give significant and lasting pain relief with a significant improvement of ADL, range of motion and strength. Role of ultrasonography in shoulder pathology: Consistency with clinical and operative findings K. W. Chan, G. G. McLeod Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Perth Royal Infirmary, Perth PH1 1NX, United Kingdom. Shoulder disorders are common and main causes of shoulder pain with/without functional deficit include adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), impingement syndrome and rotator cuff pathology. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography have been reported as 80% and 100% respectively in the literature. We carried out a retrospective case note review of patients that underwent ultrasonography of shoulder, comparing the radiological findings with clinical diagnosis and operative findings. 58 patients, 36 male and 22 female attended the orthopaedic outpatient clinic with painful shoulder and underwent ultrasonography of shoulder during the period of study. Mean age of patients is 55 (range 28 to 78 years old). 33 patients had ultrasonography of right shoulder, 20 patients had ultrasonography of left shoulder while 5 patients had ultrasonography of both shoulders. 79% (50/63) of the ultrasonography findings were consistent with clinical diagnosis. 17 patients had normal findings on ultrasonography and were discharged fully. 25 patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of biceps tendon tear, calcifying tendinosis and partial/full thickness rotator cuff tear were treated conservatively. 19% (4/21) of patients with diagnosis of calcifying tendinosis had decompression surgery. 38% (8/21) of patients with diagnosis of partial/full thickness rotator cuff tear had decompression surgery + rotator cuff repair. The degree of rotator cuff tear in operative findings for 6 out of 8 patients (75%) that underwent decompression surgery +/− rotator cuff repair were consistent with ultrasonography findings. 4 patients had inconclusive ultrasonography findings and had magnetic resonance imaging to further confirm the pathology. We conclude that ultrasonography should be used as the first line of investigation in aiding the clinical diagnosis and management of shoulder disorders as it is non-invasive and cost effective. The sensitivity of ultrasonography in detecting shoulder pathology is 75% from this study