Article

Objectives: To report rotator cuff tendonitis as a complication
of lymphedema and to discuss the possible etiology and
treatment options.
Design:
Retrospective review of 8 cases.
Setting: University hospital outpatient clinic.
Participants: A total of 8 breast cancer patients with a
history of lymphedema and ipsilateral shoulder pain.
Intervention: Patients with lymphedema and ipsilateral
shoulder pain were diagnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis if all
of the following 3 tests were positive: supraspinatus test,
Neer's impingement test, and Hawkin's impingement test. Patients
diagnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis were prescribed a
nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and physical
therapy (PT).
Main Outcome Measures: Improvement in symptoms of
shoulder pain at a 4- to 6-week follow-up, as measured by
visual analog scale (VAS).
Results: Seven of 8 patients reported a subjective decrease
in their symptoms of shoulder pain at a 4- to 6-week follow-up.
The average improvement in shoulder pain as measured by
VAS was a 4.5-point decrease from the original pain score
given. One of 8 patients had a full-thickness supraspinatus
tendon tear and required additional decongestive therapy and
PT to obtain relief of symptoms.
Conclusions: Rotator cuff tendonitis is a complication of
lymphedema caused by internal derangement of tendon fibers,
which may be subject to impingement, functional overload, and
intrinsic tendinopathy. Conservative treatment with NSAIDs and PT is a safe and effective treatment.

Langue : ANGLAIS