MANAGEMENT OF SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME AND ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

Rotator cliff impingement syndrome and associated rotator cuff tears a re commonly encountered shoulder problems. Symptoms include pain, weak ness and loss of motion. Causes of impingement include acromioclavicul ar joint arthritis, calcified coracoacromial ligament, structural abno rmalities of the acromion and weakness of the rotator cuff muscles. Co nservative treatment (rest, ice packs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy) is usually sufficient. Some patients benef it from steroid injection, and a few require surgery.