title: Glenohumeral instability and rotator cuff tear.
abstract: The prevalence of rotator cuff tears after traumatic dislocation increases with advancing age, a likely consequence of the age-associated deterioration of the structure and mechanical properties of the tendons of the rotator cuff. These are the effective stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint, compressing the humeral head in the 3-dimensional concavity of the glenohumeral joint. It is impossible to establish whether a lesion of the capsular-labrum complex or of the rotator cuff causes or follows a dislocation, regardless of whether it is anterior or posterior. A peripheral nerve or a brachial plexus injury can be associated with tendon lesion and instability, developing the "terrible triad" of the shoulder. Both conservative and surgical management are possible, and surgeons must choose the most appropriate management modality according to the biologic age, functional demands, and type of lesion.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, D. Cervesi Hospital, Cattolica, Italy. chirurgiaspalla@virgilio.it
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Porcellini
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Caranzano
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Campi
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pellegrini
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Paladini
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy