Incidence of neuropathy associated with massive rotator cuff tear and the effect of tendon repair on improvement of the neuropathy

BackhroundsPrevious studies suggest an existing association between massive rotator cuff tear(RCT) and peripheral neuropathy. However, the findings are often inconsistent. In thepresent prospective study we assessed the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with massive RCT. In addition, we evaluated the effect of surgical repair of thisrupture on the treatment outcomes of neuropathiesMethods: In this study, 58 patients were evaluated with a massive RCT. All patientsunderwent arthroscopic repair using suture anchor groups. Before surgery,electromyography (EMG)/nerve conduction velocity(NCV) were performed to checkfor neuropathy.In addition, before and after the surgery, Quick Disabilities of theArm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was calculated for all patients and the painintensity was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were followed upfor 6 months. In the final visit, EMG/NCV was reperformed for those patients withneuropathyResults: A total of 8 patients with neuropathy were observed (%13.5), of which 5 caseswere presented with suprascapular neuropathy, 2 cases of upper trunk neuropathy and1 case of neuropathy. In the final visit examinations, all cases except one suprascapularneuropathy and an upper trunk neuropathy were recovered.In the final visit, the average Quick DASH score was significantly reduced from 72.6 to19.7 (p <0.001). Similarly, the severity of pain significantly decreased from 5.3 to 1/1 (p<0.001). In the final visit, the most important complaint of the patients was a limitationof motion in 11 patients (%19). Three patients also complained of pain, two of whomwere those whose neuropathy had not improvedConclusions: Precise screening for neurological damage is recommended in allpatients with extensive RCT. Moreover, electromyographic studies can be of benefit insuspected cases of neuropathy before repair of rotator cuff