What is Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Cuff-tear arthropathy is an arthritic condition that occurs when you have a large rotator cuff tear for an extended period of time. It is the combination of a massive rotator cuff tear and the collapse of the surface of the upper arm bone (humerus) due to osteoporosis (form of arthritis where joint cartilage begins to wear away due to accident or the natural aging process).
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Symptoms of Cuff Tear Arthropathy
Cuff Tear Arthropathy patients normally feel severe pain in the shoulder. When cuff tear arthropathy is present, the shoulder and arms may be very difficult to raise and rotate. You most likely have already been diagnosed as having a rotator cuff tear. In most cases, when a rotator cuff tear is present, the shoulder may not look natural.
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Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatment options may be suggested for less severe cases of cuff tear arthropathy. Your doctor will carefully consider factors such as age, health status and activity level before determining the appropriate treatment method. These treatments include: rest, careful use of the shoulder, anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics.
Treatment Options
If non-surgical treatment options fail to provide adequate pain relief, shoulder arthroplasty may be suggested. Surgery is usually recommended to repair a complete tear in the tendons since torn tendons result in an inability to raise the arm.
The DePuy Global™ Advantage Cuff Tear Arthropathy (CTA) humeral head prosthesis is one pain relief option for patients with a massive, irreparable cuff tear and arthritis. Unlike other humeral heads, the Global Advantage CTA head covers a larger area of the humerus than other shoulder prostheses, allowing for less friction and more comfort for the patient. Learn more about the DePuy Global Advantage CTA…
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The Delta XTEND™ System is designed for people who have “end-stage cuff tear arthropathy,” a medical condition in which the rotator cuff muscles (the muscles around the shoulder joint) have degenerated, or weakened to a point where they can no longer hold the shoulder joint intact or allow it to function normally in conjunction with arthritis. This instability, or looseness, in the presence of arthritis can cause extreme pain and loss of movement of the shoulder. Learn more about the Delta XTEND System…
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References
Rockwood, Jr., C. and F.A. Matsen III "The Shoulder Volume II" W.B. Saunders Company, 1990
Last Updated: 05/29/2008
