Massive rotator cuff tears: definition and treatment

• Published in: International orthopaedics Vol. 39; no. 12; pp. 2403 - 2414
• Main Authors: Lädermann, Alexandre, Denard, Patrick J., Collin, Philippe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-12-2015
• Subjects: Arthroplasty; Arthroscopy - methods; Female; Humans; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Paper; Orthopedics; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Rotator Cuff - diagnostic imaging; Rotator Cuff - surgery; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Shoulder Joint - diagnostic imaging; Shoulder Joint - physiopathology; Shoulder Joint - surgery; Shoulder Pain - physiopathology; Tendon Transfer; Treatment Outcome; Arthroscopy; Shoulder function; Outcome; Scores; Tendon transfer; Cuff tear arthropathy; Pseudoparalysis; Massive rotator cuff repair; Reverse shoulder arthroplasty
• ISSN: 0341-2695; 1432-5195
• DOI: 10.1007/s00264-015-2796-5

Purpose
The aim of this review is to summarise tear pattern classification and management options for massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT), as well as to propose a treatment paradigm for patients with a MRCT.
Method
Data from 70 significant papers were reviewed in order to define the character of reparability and the possibility of alternative techniques in the management of MRCT.
Results
Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT) include a wide panoply of lesions in terms of tear pattern, functional impairment, and reparability. Pre-operative evaluation is critical to successful treatment. With the advancement of medical technology, arthroscopy has become a frequently used method of treatment, even in cases of pseudoparalytic shoulders. Tendon transfer is limited to young patients with an irreparable MRCT and loss of active rotation. Arthroplasty can be considered for the treatment of a MRCT with associated arthritis.
Conclusion
There is insufficient evidence to establish an evidence-based treatment algorithm for MRCTs. Treatment is based on patient factors and associated pathology, and includes personal experience and data from case series.