Conservative Management of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: Partial thickness rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder injury that can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals, especially among athletes and active people. Unlike full thickness tears, where the tendon completely detaches from the bone, a partial thickness tear only involves part of the tendon, which can lead to pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Conservative management strategies are often the first line of treatment, especially for patients who do not exhibit severe symptoms or functional impairment. This article reviews the effectiveness of conservative management approaches for treating partial thickness rotator cuff tears. Methods: This study included a comprehensive review of the existing literature on conservative management strategies for partial thickness rotator cuff tears from ۲۰۱۲ to ۲۰۲۳. It encompassed randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series that reported outcomes related to non-surgical interventions such as physical therapy, activity modification, corticosteroid injections, and the use of anti-inflammatory medications. Primary outcome measures assessed included pain levels, functional scores (such as the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (ASES)), and patient-reported outcomes related to shoulder function, with data synthesized to evaluate the overall effectiveness of conservative treatment options. Results: Findings indicated that conservative management is effective for many patients with partial thickness rotator cuff tears. Approximately ۷۰ to ۸۰ percent of patients reported significant improvements in pain and function after undergoing physical therapy focused on strengthening and flexibility exercises. Additionally, corticosteroid injections provided rapid pain relief for a subset of patients, although this was generally temporary. Most participants demonstrated improved ASES scores, rising from an average of ۵۰ before treatment to ۸۵ after treatment during a six-month follow-up period. Furthermore, only a small percentage (about ۱۵%) required surgical intervention after failing conservative measures, indicating the effectiveness of non-surgical methods in managing these injuries. Conclusion: Conservative management of partial thickness rotator cuff tears is a suitable and effective treatment strategy for many patients. The majority experience significant improvements in shoulder pain and function through physical therapy and other non-invasive interventions. While some patients may ultimately need surgery, conservative approaches should initially be prioritized to avoid unnecessary interventions and enhance natural recovery.

کلیدواژه ها:

Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear ، Conservative Management ، Physical Therapy ، Corticosteroid Injections ، Shoulder Function