Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Pathophysiology, Imaging Characteristics, and Treatment Options.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to review the biomechanical properties of the rotator cuff and glenohumeral joint and the pathophysiology, imaging characteristics, and treatment options of rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA).


CONCLUSIONS
Although multiple pathways have been proposed as causes of RCTA, the exact cause remains unclear. Increasing knowledge about the clinical diagnosis, imaging features, and indicators of severity improves recognition and treatment of this pathologic condition.
1 Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, 820 Harrison Ave, FGH Bldg, 3rd Fl, Boston, MA 02118.
Alireza
A
Eajazi
2 Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA.
Steve
S
Kussman
1 Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, 820 Harrison Ave, FGH Bldg, 3rd Fl, Boston, MA 02118.
Christina
C
LeBedis
1 Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, 820 Harrison Ave, FGH Bldg, 3rd Fl, Boston, MA 02118.
Ali
A
Guermazi
1 Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, 820 Harrison Ave, FGH Bldg, 3rd Fl, Boston, MA 02118.
Andrew
A
Kompel
3 Boston Sports and Shoulder Center, New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, MA.
Andrew
A
Jawa
1 Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, 820 Harrison Ave, FGH Bldg, 3rd Fl, Boston, MA 02118.
Akira M
AM
Murakami
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology
MRI; arthropathy; biomechanics; imaging; rotator cuff tear; shoulder