Rotator Cuff Tears Masquerade as Frozen Shoulder

Orthopaedic experts are issuing a critical warning: persistent deep shoulder pain at night, or weakness and difficulty lifting the arm after an injury, may not be frozen shoulder. These symptoms can actually indicate a rotator cuff tear, and a misdiagnosis could lead to complications and reduced recovery prospects. Continuing exercises without a confirmed diagnosis can aggravate the tear. Many patients delay seeking specialist care, often visiting physiotherapists or less qualified practitioners, or self-treating with exercises. This delay allows tears to enlarge, significantly impacting treatment success and potentially requiring revision surgeries or even shoulder replacement for a substantial percentage of patients.

While frozen shoulder is common in individuals with diabetes due to tissue thickening around the joint, similar symptoms in non-diabetic patients warrant evaluation for rotator cuff tears. Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination and imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Experts specifically advise individuals between 50 and 60 years old, along with athletes experiencing recent shoulder injuries, to consult an orthopaedist if they face ongoing pain, weakness, or night pain. Advanced surgical techniques, like patch augmentation, are being discussed for complex cases to provide extra support to repaired tendons, potentially improving healing and lowering re-tear risks, particularly in those with poorer tendon quality or larger tears.