Rheumatoid arthritis that affects the shoulder joint is associated with loss of cartilage, soft tissue degeneration, pain, and reduced range of motion. Researchers studied whether rotator cuff degeneration may also cause pain and loss of function in the rheumatic shoulder. The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscle tendons that connect to the shoulder. Rotator cuff tendons stabilize the upper arm bone to the shoulder socket and allow the wide range of motion in the shoulder (rotation, reaching, raising and lowering the arm).

Between January 2003 and July 2004, researchers looked at 51 shoulders from 26 rheumatoid arthritis patients using x-rays, ultrasound, CAT scans, and tests for range of motion and maximum force of the shoulder muscles. According to a report in the March 2008 Arthritis Care & Research, there was no or slight joint destruction in 21 shoulders while 15 showed intermediate destruction and 15 showed severe destruction. Only 19 of the 51 shoulders had an intact rotator cuff.

Even though the study was small, researchers concluded that rotator cuff degeneration can be a significant aspect of shoulder problems related to rheumatoid arthritis. Damage caused by rotator cuff degeneration can be reduced by maintaining the range of motion of the shoulder joint -- an important part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Related Resources:

• Guide to Shoulder Problems
• Report: Rotator Cuff Problems
• Video: Do You Suffer From Periarthritis?
• Physical Therapy Goals for Arthritis Patients
• Shoulder Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know

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