The Biomechanical Relevance of Anterior Rotator Cuff Cable Tears in a Cadaveric Shoulder Model

Abstract

Clinicians should consider early repair of rotator cuff cable tears, which may need surgical intervention to address their biomechanical pathology. In contrast, surgical treatment may be more safely delayed for rotator cuff crescent tears.

Prospective evaluation of clinical and radiologic factors predicting return to activity within 6 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

“…Partial healing including the rotator cuff cable may provide a balanced rotator cuff and a functional shoulder. 2,34 Finally, we recognize that there are other elements that contribute to a successful clinical outcome in addition to tendon healing. We used a rehabilitation program that allowed passive selfstretching by patients but de-emphasized an early, active and vigorous return of full motion.…”

Progression of Fatty Muscle Degeneration in Atraumatic Rotator Cuff Tears

“…The anterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon is the strongest region of the tendon 29 , and studies have shown increased gapping and strain in tears involving the rotator cable compared with isolated crescent tears 30 . Previous research has demonstrated the importance of the anterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon (anterior cable) in preserving the health of both of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles 1,10 .…”

Patterns of tear progression for asymptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears

“…Additionally, the anterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon has been shown to have the highest tensile strength compared to the middle and posterior regions of the tendon 7 . Mesiha et al demonstrated the importance of the anterior supraspinatus insertion noting increased gapping, stiffness and regional tendon strains in experimental tears of the anterior supraspinatus tendon compared to tears isolated to the rotator crescent 16 . Little is known regarding the influence of tear extension into the rotator cable on the risks of tear progression over time.…”

“…Subjects presented to the physician with shoulder pain secondary to rotator cuff disease and were found to have an asymptomatic rotator cuff tear in the contralateral shoulder with shoulder ultrasonography. After tear identification subjects were confirmed to be asymptomatic at baseline on the study side and were followed annually with a repeat clinical examination, shoulder ultrasonography and shoulder radiographs according to a previously published protocol 9,16 . Exclusion criteria included: the presence of shoulder pain as previously defined, a history of shoulder trauma or injury, isolated subscapularis tears, preexisting glenohumeral arthritis, a history of inflammatory arthritis and prior surgery on the study shoulder.…”