To study risk factors of degenerative rotator cuff tear

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff has been a known entity for orthopaedic surgeons for more than two hundred years [1]. Rotator cuff disease is a common condition that causes shoulder pain and functional disability with a prevalence rate of 2.8-15%, affecting approximately 40% of population who are more than 60 years of age and substantially impacting on individual’s function [2]. Aims and Objectives: To study risk factors in patients with symptomatic atraumatic rotator cuff tear –Age, Obesity, Gender, Smoking, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Hand dominance, Use of corticosteroid injections, Hyperlipidemia, Osteoarthritis of knee. Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria § Pain in the shoulder of duration more than three weeks. § Normal range of motion of the shoulder. § One or more than one positive clinical tests for rotator cuff tear. Diagnostic imaging like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging pointing to diagnosis of rotator cuff tear. Exclusion criteria § History of trauma. § History of any surgery. § Patients using assisted devices for walking. Results:Our study proved that the metabolic factors of diabetes, BMI, age, hand dominance, osteoarthritis of knee, hypertension, gender were independent significant risk factors associated with the development of atraumatic rotator cuff tears. Out of all the risk factors evaluated, osteoarthritis of knee, age, obesity were the most significant risk factors for atraumatic rotator cuff tear. Conclusions:Out of all risk factors evaluated, osteoarthritis of knee, obesity and age were the most important risk factors for atraumatic rotator cuff tear Evaluation of various risk factors results in enhanced understanding of the prevention and management of various other common conditions and comorbidities associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears [26].