Guide To The Symptoms, Causes, And Complications Of Shoulder Impingement

Cuff Tear Arthropathy

In some cases, shoulder impingement could lead to rotator cuff tear arthropathy. This condition develops gradually over several years, and it is characterized by severe arthritis of the shoulder accompanied by a large tear in the rotator cuff. Patients typically have a shifting of the normal position of the ball within the shoulder socket, and they also have significantly reduced function of the rotator cuff itself. Swelling may be present around the shoulder, and the muscles in this area might atrophy as well. Physical examination, x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI scans may be used in the diagnosis of cuff tear arthropathy. Patients with this condition are often advised to have a surgical procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement. Standard shoulder replacement surgeries are not usually successful for patients with significant rotator cuff injuries. The reverse shoulder replacement procedure involves placing an implant that forms a new socket on top of the humerus bone in the arm, and this eliminates the need for a functioning rotator cuff.

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