Observational Study of Incidence of Rotator Cuff Tear in Patients with Shoulder Pain and Stiffness (original) (raw)

Aims and Objectives: To observe the incidence of rotator cuff tears in patient with shoulder pain and stiffness with help of USG. Introduction: All the shoulder pains associated with stiffness of shoulder and restriction of movements, according to literature are adhesive capsulitis with normal radiographs. The current study is conducted to observe the rotator cuff tears in patients with shoulder pain and stiffness. Methods: All patients with shoulder pain having stiffness and restrictions of movements, attending orthopedic OPD were evaluated clinically, radiologically and USG to identify rotator cuff tears. Most of the shoulders associated with pain and stiffness have normal radiological study and hence sonography was used to evaluate the rotator cuff tears as USG is a simple, cost effective and reliable investigation to assess soft tissues of the shoulder joint. Results: In our study we found that out of 51 patients, 24 (47.1%) patients with shoulder pain associated with stiffness and restriction of movements had associated capsular or tendon tears with majority being females. Conclusion: Therefore, all the patients having shoulder pain with stiffness and restricted movements and normal radiographs need to undergo ultrasound scan to rule out rotator cuff tears before continuing further treatment as most of the rotator cuff tears need intervention. USG is a reliable, simple and cost-effective method to rotator cuff tears.