Correlation between Residual Complaints of Operated Rotator Cuff Tear and the Size of Tear

Abstract

[Purpose] We wished to examine the correlation between residual complaints of operated rotator cuff tears and the size of the tear.
[Materials and Methods] 77 patients who had been operated on between 1985 and 1993 were available for this follow-up study. The patients were assigned to two groups, large or small, based on the size of their tear. Using the JOA scores, the following points were examined: 1)complaints of ADL,2)pain,3)limitation of ROM,4)muscle weakness of abduction,5)limitation of external rotation,6)muscle weakness of external rotation. The two groups were compared from each point, and the relationship between the severity and the size of the tears were examined.19 cases, who had had residual complaints, were also analyzed for correlation between the size of the tear and the following points: )sleep on the involved side,2)reaching an overhead shelf,3)combing their hair.
[Results] 17 cases had a large tear and 60 cases had a small one. ADL and pain were insignificant in both two groups. There was a significant difference between their ROM and muscle weakness (Mann-Whitney test). The size of the tear correlated to pain and muscle weakness, but not to complaints of ADL. In pa. tients with residual complaints, size of the tear correlated with difficulty in reaching an overhead shelf (Chi-square test).
[Conclusion] In this study, we did not find a direct statistical correlation between daily life complaints and the size of a tear. Previously, we reported on a correlation of residual complaints to pain and muscle weakness in external rotation. Since both residual complaints and the size of the tear correlated to pain and muscle weakness, these studies suggest that patients with large tears tend to have residual complaints about them.