Method for early diagnosis of damage to the rotator cuff

For the purpose of early diagnosis of rotator cuff tears we have developed a method based on the brachial plexus nerve block (RF patent №2138196, 27.09.1999). It was used in 22 patients with soft tissue injuries of the shoulder joint with conduction anesthesia (0.5% solution of lidocaine, procaine) into supraclavicular area. After approach of the differentiated block the pain was stopped, thus possibility of physical activity in a shoulder joint remained. Restoration of active abduction testified to partial damage of the rotator cuff, absence - about full. The received data were verified by ultrasound, surgical interventions and clinical observation. Sensitivity of our method is 88.2%, specificity - 80% and accuracy - 86,3%.

shoulder joint, shoulder rotator cuff, differential diagnosis