“…Although the incidence of symptomatic rotator cuff tearing is not known in patients with RA, during procedures such as arthroplasty and synovectomy, the rotator cuff has been described as being abnormal in 25% to 80% of shoulders. 4,6,15,18,27,28 Repair of rotator cuff tears in patients with RA has been described as technically challenging because of the size of tears and adjacent tendon attrition; in addition, many patients have associated shoulder pathology, 2,11,20,35,36 including stiffness. 9,12,20 Radiographic changes may also be present, including osteopenia, proximal humeral subluxation, and glenohumeral and acromioclavicular erosions.…”