The role of scapular dyskinesis on rotator cuff tears: a narrative review of the current knowledge

Diana Cabral Teixeira; Luís Alves; Manuel Gutierres

doi:10.1302/2058-5241.6.210043

The role of scapular dyskinesis on rotator cuff tears: a narrative review of the current knowledge

EFORT Open Rev. 2021 Oct 19;6(10):932-940. doi: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210043. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Authors

Diana Cabral Teixeira^{1

2}, Luís Alves^{3

2}, Manuel Gutierres^{3

2}

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
² These authors contributed equally to the article and should all be considered first authors.
³ Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, São João Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal.

Abstract

Scapular dyskinesis can be present in healthy individuals as in patients with shoulder pathology.Altered patterns of scapular kinematics can cause or exacerbate rotator cuff tear pathology. However, more research is needed.Regardless of the cause or the consequence of rotator cuff tear, scapular dyskinesis impairs shoulder function, worsens the symptoms, and compromises the success of clinical intervention.The available literature suggests physical therapy as the first treatment for degenerative cuff tears, and scapular dyskinesis should be addressed if present. Non-responsive cases or traumatic tears may require surgery.Postsurgical physical therapy protocols after rotator cuff repair must consider scapular dyskinesia to improve the outcomes. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:932-940. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210043.

Keywords: kinematics; rotator cuff tear; scapula; scapular dyskinesis; shoulder.

Publication types

Review