Treatment of High-Grade Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear
High-grade partial thickness rotator cuff tears occupy a clinically important middle ground — the tendon is substantially compromised but not fully disrupted. This specific presentation calls for a structured, evidence-based management pathway.
Clinical scenario: This protocol is designed for patients presenting with a high-grade partial thickness rotator cuff tear — a subset of rotator cuff pathology where the extent of involvement influences the choice and sequence of management strategies.
Initial management: Conservative management, centred on physical therapy, forms the foundation of the initial approach for this presentation. The complete, structured regimen — including the full pathway and decision points — is available via the protocol below.
References
Strong evidence supports the use of either conversion to full-thickness or transtendinous/in-situ repair in patients that failed conservative management with high-grade partial thickness rotator cuff tears.
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