Rotator cuff tears in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rotator cuff tear secondary to chronic synovitis eroding the rotator cuff tendon is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that has received little attention. Patients with such tears have a long history of active rheumatoid disease preceding the sudden onset of increased unilateral shoulder pain and immobility. The physician may interpret this change as indicating a joint infection or rheumatoid flare, and initiate a drastic change in the patient's therapy. Shoulder arthrography reveals the correct diagnosis. Appropriate treatment consists of heat, rest, range of motion exercises, and repeated intra-articular injection of steroids.
D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012146:Rest; D012782:Shoulder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013585:Synovitis / Q000150:complications*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy
D013256:Steroids