Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears

Matthew J. Matava, Derek B. Purcell, Jonas R. Rudzki

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

185 Scopus citations

Abstract

Partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff have been diagnosed with increased frequency because of a heightened awareness of the condition by clinicians and improved diagnostic methods. Research into the causes, natural history, and optimal treatment of this condition lags behind that of full-thickness tears. However, despite the limitations in the existing literature, there has emerged a consensus among shoulder experts that partial-thickness rotator cuff tears should be aggressively treated in the active athlete because of the unfavorable natural history of these lesions and success of accepted surgical algorithms. This review will provide an overview of the theories regarding the origins of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, discuss the relative accuracy of accepted diagnostic techniques, and summarize the indications and methods of operative repair with an emphasis on the results of various treatment approaches.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1405-1417
Number of pages13
JournalAmerican Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume33
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2005

Keywords

  • Partial-thickness
  • Review
  • Rotator cuff

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this