Rotator Cuff Tears in Adolescent Athletes

Isolated subscapularis rupture in an adolescent – Arthroscopic repair and outcome – Case study

“…6,11 However, in our case we present an isolated rupture of subscapularis with no other accompanying tears or fractures; an added rarity to an already infrequent injury. 4 On presentation, patients show a reduced range of movement with pain on passive movement.…”

“…11 However, previously reported cases have demonstrated avulsion fractures of the lesser tuberosity on plain axillary view radiographs. 11 Therefore X-ray imaging is a useful tool but not necessarily diagnostic.…”

“…5,8 Their infrequent incidence is a result of a higher tissue strength, elasticity and resilience in youth, 6,11 rationalising their regular misdiagnosis.…”

“…Tarkin et al 11 reported three cases of rotator cuff injuries where abnormalities were not found on the initial radiographs, but repeat images at a later time revealed calcifications adjacent to the affected tendon. 11 However, previously reported cases have demonstrated avulsion fractures of the lesser tuberosity on plain axillary view radiographs.…”

The Shoulder: Acquired Disorders

“…Pediatric rotator cuff tears are extremely rare and occur in athletes suffering either acute injury or repetitive microtrauma [ 56 ]. Rotator cuff tears may also be seen in the setting of glenohumeral instability [ 17 ].…”