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Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

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Abstract

Rotator cuff repair is one of the most common procedures performed in orthopedic surgery. The goal of repair is to restore normal rotator cuff kinematics in an effort to improve glenohumeral function and reduce pain. Recent data has revealed that healing and anatomic integrity of the rotator cuff repair site correlates with improved outcomes, particularly with regard to strength and functional recovery. Rotator cuff pathology exists on a wide spectrum that ranges from cuff tendon edema and inflammation to partial- and full-thickness tears of one or more of the cuff tendons. Recent advances in diagnostic imaging modalities have led to an increase in clinician recognition of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. As elegantly described by Clark and Harryman (J Bone Joint Surg 74A:713–725, 1992), the anatomy of the rotator cuff insertion onto the humerus is complex as the tendons, articular capsule, coracohumeral ligament (CHL), and glenohumeral ligament complex essentially blend to form a confluent, layered sheet prior to insertion onto the tuberosities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 West Harrison Suite 300, Chicago, 60612, IL, USA

    Rachel M. Frank MD, Jas Chahal MD, FRCSC & Nikhil N. Verma MD

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  1. Rachel M. Frank MD
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  2. Jas Chahal MD, FRCSC
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  3. Nikhil N. Verma MD
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Correspondence to Rachel M. Frank MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Roma, Italy

    Giuseppe Milano

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Casa di Cura Villa Valeria, Rome, Roma, Italy

    Andrea Grasso

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Frank, R.M., Chahal, J., Verma, N.N. (2014). Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears. In: Milano, G., Grasso, A. (eds) Shoulder Arthroscopy. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5427-3_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5427-3_22

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