BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish consensus statements via a modified Delphi process on the definition of shoulder pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis.
METHODS: A consensus process on the definition of a diagnosis of pseudoparalysis utilizing a modified Delphi technique was conducted, and 26 shoulder/sports surgeons from 11 countries, selected based on their level of expertise in the field, participated in these consensus statements. Consensus was defined as achieving 80%-89% agreement, whereas strong consensus was defined as 90%-99% agreement, and unanimous consensus was indicated by 100% agreement with a proposed statement.
RESULTS: Three statements regarding the diagnosis of pseudoparalysis reached strong (>89%) consensus: passive range of motion should be unaffected, the passive range of abduction should not be considered, and diagnosis should be excluded if lidocaine injection produces a substantial improvement in range of motion. Additionally, consensus (>79%) was reached that the active range of external rotation should not be considered for diagnosis, pain as a cause of restricted motion must be excluded, and that distinctions between restricted active flexion and external rotation should be made by range of motion rather than tear characteristics. No consensus could be reached on statements regarding the size, number of tendons or chronicity of cuff tears. Nor was there agreement on the active range of flexion permitted or on the difference between pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis.
CONCLUSIONS: A modified Delphi process was utilized to establish consensus on the definition of shoulder pseudoparalysis and pseudoparesis. Unfortunately, almost half of the statements did not reach consensus, and agreement could not be reached across all domains for a unifying definition for the diagnosis of pseudoparalysis in the setting of rotator cuff tears. Furthermore, it was not agreed how or whether pseudoparalysis should be differentiated from pseudoparesis. Based on the lack of a consensus for these terms, studies should report explicitly how these terms are defined when they are used.

Rotator cuff tear is a common injury among middle-aged and elderly people, and it has a great impact on patients\' physical and mental health and quality of life. Integrative medicine based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tears. TCM, which mainly involves the use of plant-based products, has relatively stable and reliable curative effects. It is of great significance to formulate a combined diagnosis and treatment plan for rotator cuff tear based on evidence-based medicine, which can help to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques of TCM and Western medicine and achieve better therapeutic effects. This guideline standardizes the diagnosis and treatment process of rotator cuff tear from the aspects of range, terminology and definition, diagnosis, TCM syndrome differentiation, treatment, functional exercise, and prevention and care. It makes recommendations that cover the adoption of manual therapy, acupuncture, and other integrative medicine based on TCM. Users of these guidelines are most likely to include clinicians and health managers in healthcare settings.

Current rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocols focus on multiple areas, including protecting the healing tissue, optimizing range of motion and strength, and returning the individual to labor demanding and sport-specific tasks. Post-operative rehabilitation timelines with consideration of the tear size remain variable among practitioners. Prognostic factors, healing rates, range of motion timeline, exercise progressions, and guidance on return to sport and work activity are the many factors that can help guide rotator cuff repair rehabilitation and ultimately may reduce failure rates and improve outcomes. The purpose of this narrative review is to outline the multi-factorial nature of rotator cuff pathology and guide treatment based on a multitude of factors.

BACKGROUND: Split fractures of the humeral greater tuberosity (HGT) are common injuries. Although there are numerous surgical treatments for these fractures, no classification system combining clinical and biomechanical characteristics has been presented to guide the choice of fixation method.
METHODS: We created a standardised fracture of the HGT in 24 formalin-fixed cadavers. Six were left as single-fragment fractures (Group A), six were further prepared to create single-fragment with medium size full-thickness rotator cuff tear (FT-RCT) fractures (Group B), six were cut to create multi-fragment fractures (Group C), and six were cut to create multi-fragment with FT-RCT fractures (Group D). Each specimen was fixed with a shortened proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate. The fixed fractures were subjected to load and load-to-failure tests and the differences between groups analysed.
RESULTS: The mean load-to-failure values were significantly different between groups (Group A, 446.83 ± 38.98 N; Group B, 384.17 ± 36.15 N; Group C, 317.17 ± 23.32 N and Group D, 266.83 ± 37.65 N, P < 0.05). The load-to-failure values for fractures with a greater tuberosity displacement of 10 mm were significantly different between each group (Group A, 194.00 ± 29.23 N; Group B, 157.00 ± 29.97 N; Group C, 109.00 ± 17.64 N and Group D, 79.67.83 ± 15.50 N; P < 0.05). These findings indicate that fractures with a displacement of 10 mm have different characteristics and should be considered separately from other HGT fractures when deciding surgical treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Biomechanical classification of split fractures of the HGT is a reliable method of categorising these fractures in order to decide surgical treatment. Our findings and proposed system will be a useful to guide the choice of surgical technique for the treatment of fractures of the HGT.

BACKGROUND: A standard definition for massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) has not been identified. The purpose of this study is to use the modified Delphi technique to determine a practical, consensus definition for MRCTs.
METHODS: This study is based on responses from 20 experts who participated in 4 rounds of surveys to determine a consensus definition for MRCT. Consensus was achieved when at least 70% of survey responders rated an item at least a 4 on a 5-point scale. A set of core characteristics was drafted based on literature review and then refined to achieve a consensus MRCT definition.
RESULTS: The following core characteristics reached consensus in the first round: tear size, number of tendons torn, and degree of medial retraction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative findings reached consensus as the modalities of diagnosis. The second round determined that tear size should be measured as a relative value. An initial definition for MRCT was proposed in the third round: retraction of tendon(s) to the glenoid rim and/or a tear with ≥67% greater tuberosity exposure (65% approval). A modified definition was proposed that specified that degree of retraction should be measured in the coronal or axial plane and that the amount of greater tuberosity exposure should be measured in the sagittal plane (90% approval).
CONCLUSIONS: This study determined with 90% agreement that MRCT should be defined as retraction of tendon(s) to the glenoid rim in either the coronal or axial plane and/or a tear with ≥67% of the greater tuberosity exposed measured in the sagittal plane. The measurement can be performed either with MRI or intraoperatively.

The following guideline covers a wide array of shoulder conditions seen in the workers\' compensation, as well as the nonworkers\' compensation, population. The guideline is intended to help establish work relatedness and aid in making the diagnosis of shoulder injuries and degenerative conditions. It also provides a nonoperative and operative guideline for the treatment of several shoulder conditions, not limited to rotator cuff tears, subacromial impingement syndrome, acromioclavicular arthritis and dislocations, as well as glenohumeral arthritis.