Returning to the Bedside: Using the History and Physical Examination To Identify Rotator Cuff Tears

OBJECTIVES: To determine the value of elements of the bedside history and physical examination in predicting arthrography results in older patients with suspected rotator cuff tear (RCT). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review SETTING: Orthopedic practice limited to disorders of the shoulder PARTICIPANTS: 448 consecutive patients with suspected RCT referred for arthrography over a 4-year period MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Presence of partial or complete RCT on arthrogram RESULTS: 301 patients (67.2%) had evidence of complete or partial RCT. Clinical findings in the univariate analysis most closely associated with rotator cuff tear included infra- and supraspinatus atrophy (P or = 65 (AOR 4.05(2.47, 16.07)), and night pain (AOR 2.61 (1.004, 7.39)) best predicted the presence of RCT. A five-point scoring system developed from this model was applied in the remaining patient sample (n = 216) to test validity. No significant differences in performance were noted using ROC curve comparison. Using likelihood ratios, a clinical score = 4 was superior in predicting RCT to the diagnostic prediction of an expert clinician. This score had specificity equivalent to magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography in diagnosis of RCT. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of three simple features in the history and physical examination of the shoulder can identify RCT efficiently. This approach offers a valuable strategy to diagnosis at the bedside without compromising sensitivity or specificity.