Hello! I am an OTR who has not worked in several years. I have a question about a possible rotator cuff tear with my 88 year old grandma. She is in great health and plays golf often during which time she injured her RUE. She was in immense pain and unable to lift her right arm hardly at all. After going to a walk-in clinic out of town she was told she had a possible rotator cuff tear. X ray findings are as follows:
No fracture or malalignment. The joint spaces are preserved. Cluster of calcium hydroxyapatite adjacent to the posterior aspect of the greater tuberosity of the humerus measuring up to 2.6cm in aggregate with additional calcification extending proximally along the course of the infraspinatus tendon. Mild osseous erosion of the adjacent humeral head. Mild glenohumeral and acromioclavicular osteoarthritis.
She is waiting to see an orthopedic specialist in 2 weeks. My question is, am I okay to start her on some light exercises that she can tolerate. I don’t want to make anything worse but I also don’t want her to get weak and lose range in that arm. I am beyond out of practice and I have never really had a patient with a rotator cuff tear. Also worried that it might be best to wait for a more definitive diagnosis. Any suggestions, comments, or advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
