Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

The term rotator cuff tear arthropathy is a broad spectrum pathology but it involves common characteristic features as rotator cuff tear, leading to glenohumeral joint arthritis and superior migration of the humeral head. Although there are several factors described causing rotator cuff tear arthropathy, the exact mechanism is still unknown because the rotator cuff tear arthropathy develops in only a group of patients with chronic rotator cuff tear. The aim of this article is to review pathophysiology of rotator cuff tear arthropathy, to explain the diagnostic features and to discuss the management of the disease.