Jinyoung Jeong1, Dong-Cheul Shin2, Tae-Ho Kim3, Kyungil Kim4. 1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: osjeong@hotmail.com. 2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Suwon Nanoori hospital, Suwon, Republic of Korea. 3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Incheon Nanoori hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea. 4. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: No information is available about asymptomatic rotator cuff tears (RCTs) in the Korean population. This study evaluated the prevalence of rotator cuff tears without symptoms and their related risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 486 volunteers (70.4% female; mean age, 53.1; range, 20-82 years) without any shoulder symptom complaints. Background data, medical history, clinical self-assessment, and physical examination were recorded. An ultrasonographic examination was conducted to identify rotator cuff pathology, but only full-thickness RCTs (FTRCTs) were included for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: FTRCTs were found in 23 subjects (4.7%) but only in those aged ≥49 years. Subjects aged 50-59, 60-69, and ≥70 years of age had FTRCT prevalence rates of 3.5%, 13.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. The prevalence of FTRCTs was higher in subjects with diabetes (P = .042) and a smoking history (P= .002), but no differences were noted for the presence of thyroid disease (P = .051). Almost half of those who had FTRCTs had some pain and limited daily activity that was not bothersome. After excluding these subjects from the analysis, the prevalence of asymptomatic FTRCTs decreased to 2.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asymptomatic FTRCTs was lower than expected. Half of asymptomatic FTRCTs were not actually symptom free after the clinical and physical assessments. The risk factors for a FTRCT were age, diabetes, and smoking.
BACKGROUND: No information is available about asymptomatic rotator cuff tears (RCTs) in the Korean population. This study evaluated the prevalence of rotator cuff tears without symptoms and their related risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 486 volunteers (70.4% female; mean age, 53.1; range, 20-82 years) without any shoulder symptom complaints. Background data, medical history, clinical self-assessment, and physical examination were recorded. An ultrasonographic examination was conducted to identify rotator cuff pathology, but only full-thickness RCTs (FTRCTs) were included for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: FTRCTs were found in 23 subjects (4.7%) but only in those aged ≥49 years. Subjects aged 50-59, 60-69, and ≥70 years of age had FTRCT prevalence rates of 3.5%, 13.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. The prevalence of FTRCTs was higher in subjects with diabetes (P = .042) and a smoking history (P= .002), but no differences were noted for the presence of thyroid disease (P = .051). Almost half of those who had FTRCTs had some pain and limited daily activity that was not bothersome. After excluding these subjects from the analysis, the prevalence of asymptomatic FTRCTs decreased to 2.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asymptomatic FTRCTs was lower than expected. Half of asymptomatic FTRCTs were not actually symptom free after the clinical and physical assessments. The risk factors for a FTRCT were age, diabetes, and smoking.
Authors: Dong Kyu Moon; Young Jin Park; Sang Youn Song; Mi Ji Kim; Jin Sung Park; Dae Cheol Nam; Dong Hee Kim; Jae Boem Na; Sang Il Lee; Sun Chul Hwang; Ki Soo Park Journal: Yonsei Med J Date: 2018-07 Impact factor: 2.759