Is shoulder joint position sense affected in partial and full-thickness supraspinatus tears?

Abstract

Purpose: Neuromuscular control is important for joint stabilization. Supraspinatus muscle plays an essential role in the perception of proprioceptive sense. The aim of this study is to investigate active joint position sense (AJPS) both in patients with partial and full-thickness supraspinatus tears and in healthy participants.

Methods: Twenty patients with partial supraspinatus tears, 20 patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears, and 20 healthy participants, aged 40-65 years, were included in the study. Proprioceptive sense was assessed with AJPS measurement. Absolute error was calculated to evaluate joint position sense.

Results: Active joint position sense was decreased in partial and full-thickness tears on both in affected and contralateral shoulders compared to control group (p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups with partial and full-thickness tears on the affected and contralateral shoulders at 40° and 100° elevation (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: AJPS was affected after supraspinatus injury. It was seen as proprioceptive deficit in patients with partial and full-thickness tears in both affected and contralateral shoulders.

Keywords: Full-thickness tear; Joint position sense; Partial tear; Proprioception; Rotator cuff injury; Supraspinatus.