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Rotator cuff tear associated with an acromioclavicular cyst in rheumatoid arthritis

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Abstract

We report two cases of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear followed by acromioclavicular cyst formation in patients with longstanding erosive polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis. One of the consequences of a ratator cuff tear is articular instability with upward migration of the humeral head. The ensuing chronic friction against the undersurface of the acromio-clavicular joint caused by arm movements can lead to a non-inflammatory effusion of the acromioclavicular joint with cyst formation. Clinical and ultrasonographic features and a pathogenetic hypothesis are discussed.

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Selvi, E., De Stefano, R., Frati, E. et al. Rotator cuff tear associated with an acromioclavicular cyst in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 17, 170–171 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01452269

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01452269

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