Abstract
[Purpose]The purpose of this report is to evaluate the patterns of degenerative change in the general joints in chronic massive rotator cuff tears (C MT) and osteoarthritis (OA) of the shoulder.
[Materials and methods]The CMT, OA, chondrocalcinosis (CC) and generalized OA (GOA) are defined as follows: the CMT is characterized by the narrowing acromio-humeral interval (AHI) (AHI<5mm). The OA is characterized by osteophyte, sclersis, irregularity and narrowing in the glenohumeral joint (AHI ≥5mm). The CC is characterized by the calcific deposite in the meniscus of the knee. The GOA is characterized by the osteoarthritis in the multiple joints including both the upper extremities and the lower extremities.
[Results]The CMT group was composed of 54 cases 77 shoulders (both side 23 cases, right side 25cases, left side 6 cases).21 cases were male and 33 cases were female. Their average age was 78.8. The OA group was composed of 18 cases 28 shoulders (both side 10 cases, right side 3 cases, left side 5 cases).2 cases were male and 16 cases. female. Their average age was 81.6. In the CMT group,21cases were associated with CC,16 cases with GOA and 14 cases with OA of only the upper extremiti es. In the OA group,6 cases were associated with CC,7 cases with GOT and only one case with OA of only the upper extremities.
[Conclusion]It possible that CTM is caused by both degenerative change of the rotator cuff and overuse of the upper extremities, on the other hand, OA is a constitutional disease.
