Massive rotator cuff tear with biceps dislocation

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Fall - trauma to right shoulder. Pain - restricted right shoulder movement.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Female

Shoulder US demonstrates rotator cuff tears with biceps dislocation.
In the neutral position of the shoulder, the long head of the biceps tendon is seen anterior to the subscapularis. The bicipital groove is empty.
There is an absence of the supraspinatus tendon at its normal location.
The deltoid muscle is directed applied to the head of the humerus. The retracted tendon is under the acromion with retraction of at least 3.4 cm.
These findings suggest a massive rotator cuff tear.
Partial width of infraspinatus in keeping with tearing.
No fatty infiltration/atrophy of supra or infraspinatus muscles is noted.
No bursal or joint effusion.

Case Discussion

An example of a massive rotator cuff tear in a shoulder ultrasound examination.

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