Aetiopathogenesis of cuff-tear arthropathy: Could juvenile joint laxity be considered a predisposing factor?

Purpose: Although many hypotheses have been formulated, aetiopathogenesis of cuff-tear arthropathy (CTA) is still motive for discussion. Since prevalence of CTA is notoriously higher in women, as is joint hypermobility, we hypothesised a possible correlation between the two conditions.

Methods: One hundred thirty-three (n = 133) consecutive patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis [48 men, 85 women; mean age (SD) 72.32 (7.05)] were divided into two groups: Groups 1 (CTA) and 2 (concentric shoulder arthropathy) comprised 71 (22 men, 49 women) and 62 (26 men, 36 women), respectively. The presence of current or previous joint hypermobility was assessed using two standardised methodologies: the Beighton criteria score, and a five-item self-report questionnaire. Data were submitted to statistical analysis.

Results: A moderate association between Beighton criteria and the five-item self-report (φ = 0.481, p < 0.001) was detected. Beighton criteria led to a diagnosis of joint hypermobility in 16 patients (22.5%) in Group 1 and 15 (24.2%) in Group 2. According to five-item self-report questionnaire, juvenile joint laxity was diagnosed in 11 (15.5%) and 12 (19.4%) patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. No significant association between groups and the Beighton criteria [χ(1) = 0.051, p = 0.82] and five-item self-report questionnaire [χ(1) = 0.67, p = 0.41] was found.

Conclusion: Juvenile joint hyperlaxity is not a predisposing factor for cuff arthropathy. Further studies will be needed to explain CTA aetiopathogenesis.

Levels Of Evidence: III.