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Contents
  • Physical Examinations
  • The Role of Imaging
  • Advanced Imaging Techniques

How Do Doctors Diagnose Rotator Cuff Tears?

How Do Doctors Diagnose Rotator Cuff Tears?

The Big Picture

Diagnosing a rotator cuff tear isn't straightforward. Here's how medical professionals get to the bottom of it with tests and imaging.
Contents
  • Physical Examinations
  • The Role of Imaging
  • Advanced Imaging Techniques

Physical Examinations

Doctors often start with physical tests like the painful arc, drop arm, and external rotation weakness tests. These tests help identify potential tears, although results can vary. Doctors look for specific signs of weakness or pain during these tests to determine the likelihood of a tear.

The Role of Imaging

When physical exams aren't conclusive, imaging like MRI or ultrasound comes into play. MRI is particularly useful for visualizing the extent of a tear and planning potential surgery. Ultrasound is another accurate tool, especially for detecting superficial tears and muscle lesions.
A condition where one or more of the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder become torn, often diagnosed through physical tests and imaging.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

In some cases, more advanced techniques like MR arthrography or CT arthrography are used. These are more sensitive in detecting partial tears and are often employed when standard imaging methods are insufficient. These techniques provide a detailed view of the shoulder joint to guide treatment plans.

FAQs

What physical tests diagnose rotator cuff tears?

The painful arc, drop arm, and external rotation weakness tests are commonly used.

When is MRI used?

MRI is used when physical exams are inconclusive or for surgical planning.

Is ultrasound reliable for diagnosis?

Yes, ultrasound is reliable for detecting superficial tears.

What are MR arthrography and CT arthrography?

They are advanced imaging methods used to detect partial tears.

Wrapping Up

Accurate diagnosis of rotator cuff tears requires a combination of physical tests and imaging.
Try it out by consulting Doctronic for an assessment of your shoulder issues.
Additional References
  1. Farooqi AS, Lee A, Novikov D, et al. Orthop J Sports Med 2021; 9:23259671211035106.
  2. de Jesus JO, Parker L, Frangos AJ, Nazarian LN. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2009; 192:1701.
  3. Smith TO, Daniell H, Geere JA, et al. Magn Reson Imaging 2012; 30:336.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.