Title

Conservative Management Of A Massive Rotator Cuff Tear And Partial Tear Of The Long Head Of The Biceps: A Case Report

Creator

Jessica Diggins, University of New EnglandFollow

Faculty Advisor(s)

Matthew Somma

Files

Description

A rotator cuff tear (RCT) is a common injury to the shoulder musculature that increases in prevalence with age. RCT’s can be classified into five categories determined by the muscular involved: Type A: supraspinatus & superior subscapularis; Type B: supraspinatus & entire subscapularis; Type C: supraspinatus, superior subscapularis & infraspinatus; Type D: supraspinatus & infraspinatus tears; Type E: supraspinatus,infraspinatus & teres minor. Massive RCT is classified as >5cm in size, or complete tear of two or more tendons. Some massive tears may be considered irreparable due to the extent of tendon retraction, atrophy, arthritis and mobilization. Current literature supports the use of physical therapy (PT) as the primary conservative treatment method for irreparable RCTs. The purpose of this case report was to establish a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care in order to improve the shoulder function of a patient with a non-traumatic, massive RCT, with subsequent partial tear of the long head of the biceps.

Publication Date

12-2019

Disciplines

Physical Therapy

Preferred Citation

Diggins, Jessica, "Conservative Management Of A Massive Rotator Cuff Tear And Partial Tear Of The Long Head Of The Biceps: A Case Report" (2019). Case Report Posters. Poster 180.
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrposter/180