The effect of rotator cuff tear on scapular motion and shoulder function
Nyőgér Zoltán
Clinical Medicine
Dr. Fekete Andrea
SE Ortopédiai Klinika II. e., konferenciaterem
2025-11-12 16:00:00
Physiology and Pathology of the Musculoskeletal System
Dr. Szőke György
Dr. Skaliczki Gábor
Dr. Kaszap Balázs
Dr. Klemencsics István
Dr. Szücs Ákos
Dr. Kiss Sándor
Dr. Schandl Károly
Our research suggests that pain plays a primary role in the development of SD in moderate
RC ruptures. The main SD direction for moderate RC tears is increased scapular
protraction. Based on our own data, SD is primarily a pain avoidance maneuver for
moderate-sized tears. It seems that in moderate tears, RC is still compensated by the
intactness of the horizontal axial force couples and is able to fulfill its function.
In contrast, in large and massive tears, the RC is not able to perform its necessary role in
arm elevation and SD is a movement compensating process in which the scapula helps to
elevate the arm through increased upward rotation. In other words, the classic 2:1 SHR is
disrupted and the scapulothoracic joint has an increased role in arm lift.
This "reserve" of RC can be used in clinical practice also in older or polymorbid patients,
as in painless cases with moderate RC ruptures, significant improvements in both range
of motion and muscle strength can be achieved by injection analgesia. However, in
younger, healthy people, surgical treatment is still recommended to regain full function
and prevent further progressive RC ruptures.
An important finding is that 6 months of rehabilitation treatment after surgery does not
eliminate SD. The literature suggests that a minimum of 1 year is required to resolve SD
in such cases.
