ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES: FUNCTIONAL IMPACT, DIAGNOSIS, AND MANAGEMENT IN AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: Identify the main types of rotator cuff injuries and the most frequently affected muscles in the adult population. Methods: An integrative review was conducted using the PubMed and LILACS databases, including original articles in English and Portuguese published between 2015 and 2025. The search strategy employed MeSH and DeCS descriptors related to rotator cuff injuries. Observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews with full-text availability that addressed the guiding research question were included. Duplicates, studies outside the scope, and those not meeting eligibility criteria were excluded. After screening and full-text assessment, 12 studies were selected. Results: The initial search identified 337 records, 192 from PubMed and 145 from LILACS. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies remained. The findings demonstrated the heterogeneity of rotator cuff injuries, with partial and complete tears, calcific tendinitis, and tendinopathies being the most frequently reported. The supraspinatus was the most commonly affected muscle, followed by the subscapularis and infraspinatus, while the teres minor was less affected. Advanced age and increased functional demand were associated with higher prevalence and severity of injuries. Conservative treatments may be effective in selected cases, whereas complete and irreparable tears often require surgical intervention or alternative therapies. Conclusion: Rotator cuff injuries represent a clinically relevant and heterogeneous condition, impacting pain, function, and quality of life. The variability of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches reflects the complexity of their management, highlighting the need for further studies with standardized methodologies and robust samples to support more effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.