RETURNING TO OVERUSE ACTIVITY FOLLOWING A COMBINED SUPRASPINATUS AND INFRASPINATUS TEAR LEADS TO SHOULDER JOINT DAMAGE

摘要

Rotator cuff tendon tears are common conditions which can lead to significant pain and dysfunction. Tears may progress over time from isolated supraspinatus tears to complete ruptures of both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, disrupting the anterior-posterior force balance provided by the subscapularis anteriorly and infraspinatus posteriorly (commonly referred to as a "force couple"). This disruption may lead to increased joint instability and result in altered glenohumeral translations which may cause damage to joint structures, such as articular cartilage and adjacent (intact) tendons.