Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) is a pattern of glenohumeral joint degenerative changes following rotator cuff tears, causing shoulder pain and stiffness. Subscapularis tears can also be involved in RCTA, or a significant cause of shoulder pain and disability.

How can you identify RCTA and subscap tears in your shoulder pain patients? How can they be treated, and do these patients respond well to non-surgical management?

Find out in this podcast with Jo Gibson (Upper Limb Rehabilitation Specialist Physio).

The handout for this podcast consists of a transcript and research articles referenced in this podcast.

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• Download the handout above to receive the following articles

• Conaire EÓ, Delaney R, Lädermann A, Schwank A, Struyf F. Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Which Patients Will Benefit from Physiotherapy Exercise Programs? A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023 Mar 23;20(7):5242.

• Fahy K, Galvin R, Lewis J, Mc Creesh K. Exercise as effective as surgery in improving quality of life, disability, and pain for large to massive rotator cuff tears: A systematic review & meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2022 Jun 10:102597.

Chapters:

• 03:25 - What is cuff arthropathy?
• 05:35 - Contributing factors
• 07:33 - Patient history
• 08:37 - Subscapularis tendon tears
• 12:29 - Common mechanisms of injury
• 13:46 - Assessment tests
• 16:51 - Rotator cuff related shoulder pain