Article

The rotator cuff tear is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders, but
the real incidence is not clearly known because it's usually asymptomatic, even
if it's more common in patients with shoulder pain (36%). The prevalence of the
complete tear among general population is estimated approximately around 20.7%
and it is more usual with the increasing of the age.
The aim of this study is to
evaluate a group of patients with any size of full-thickness cuff tear treated by
arthroscopic technique, comparing the clinical and functional recovery
(isokinetic, isotonic and isometric strength) with the un-operated side. Between
October 2009 and June 2011, 74 patients, mean age 59 (20-72) years old, underwent
arthroscopic treatment for rotator cuff tear. Forty-two patients were finally
included in the study, 20 men and 22 women, mean age of 55 (20-68) years old. The
mean follow-up was 12 months (6-23 months). The strength of each patient's
shoulder, both operated and un-operated, was evaluated using isokinetic, isotonic
and isometric tests (BIODEX Medical System). The functional outcome showed no
significant differences between operated and un-operated shoulder, confirmed by
Constant-Murley score and DASH score. The isokinetic, isotonic and isometric
tests are valid support to clinical evaluation in order to obtain an objective
data on shoulder recovery.

Langue : ANGLAIS