Diagnosis and Management of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PRCTs) are a challenging disease entity. Optimal management of PRCTs continues to be controversial. Although advances in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography have aided in early diagnosis, arthroscopic evaluation remains the benchmark for diagnosis. Conservative treatment is often the first line of management for most patients; however, evidence suggests that surgical intervention may limit tear progression and the long-term sequelae. Surgical decision making is driven by factors such as age, arm dominance, etiology, activity level, tear thickness, and tear location. Many surgical options have been described in the literature to treat PRCTs including arthroscopic débridement, transosseous, in situ repair techniques, and tear completion and repair. Biologic supplements have also become an attractive alternative to aid in healing; however, the long-term efficacy of these modalities is largely unknown. This article will provide a detailed review of the etiology and natural history of PRCTs, as well as diagnosis, and current management to guide clinical decision-making and formulate an algorithm for management of PRCTs for the orthopaedic surgeon.

Micropattern Silk Fibroin Film Facilitates Tendon Repair In Vivo and Promotes Tenogenic Differentiation of Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells through the α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway In Vitro

“…During the healing process of tendons, the infiltration of inflammatory cells leads to edema. In the fat suppression image of the T2 sequence of MRI scans, the inflammatory edema appears bright white, whereas collagen fibers of the normal tendon appear dark black [26,[31][32][33]. In this study, the MRI results in the micropattern SF film group showed a continuous black stripe signal after 8 months of repair, and the intensity was highest among all experimental groups, indicating that the micropattern SF films performed better in tendon reconstruction.…”

Transtendon Repair Under Switching-Scope Technique for Articular Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

“…9 From the 1990s until now, a great advance has taken place in the surgical techniques for the treatment of PTRCTS. 10 , 11 , 12 The surgical approach has evolved from open to arthroscopic surgery. In addition, the surgical technique has evolved from simple debridement to repair after completion and transtendon repair.…”

The Correlation between Various Shoulder Anatomical Indices on X‐Ray and Subacromial Impingement and Morphology of Rotator Cuff Tears

“…Furthermore, the location of impingement mostly occurs in the lateral rotator cuff although this can occasionally occur in a medial position (close to the tendon‐muscle interface) 11 . The shape of rotator cuff injury caused by impingement does not always present with the same morphology 12 . However, our own clinical observations suggest that this can be divided into four types: horizontal tears, longitudinal tears, L‐shaped tears, and irregular tears.…”