Longitudinal Study of Asymptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears

Longitudinal Study of Asymptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears. A Eight Year Follow-up of Symptomatic Status and Tear Characteristics Like Tear Size, Muscle Atrophy and Fatty Degeneration

The purpose of this study is to analyze the natural course of asymptomatic rotator cuff tears.

Fifty subjects with an asymptomatic rotator cuff tear were identified in an earlier study. Clinical, sonographic and MRI reexamination of these subjects is performed after an interval of three years. Findings of interest include: (1) the symptomatic status of the subjects (still asymptomatic or symptomatic); (2)tear size on sonography and MRI (unchanged or increased); (3)degree of muscle atrophy on MRI (unchanged or deteriorated); (4)degree of fatty muscle degeneration on MRI (unchanged or deteriorated). We want to analyze whether a change in these tear characteristics is associated with a change of the symptomatic status of these subjects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with an asymptomatic rotator cuff tear at least in one shoulder, tear demonstrated both on MRI and sonography, ASES score exceeding 90 points

Exclusion Criteria:

• Earlier periods with shoulder pain and dysfunction, earlier treatment for shoulder problems