Shoulder impingement syndrome - Neer classification
Neer classification divides lesions of the rotator cuff into three stages that typically succeed in this order during one's life.
| Stage | Description | Age group |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | actue inflammation, edema, hemorrhage in the rotator cuff | younger patients <25 years |
| Stage II | progression to fibrosis and tendinitis of the rotator cuff | usually between 25 and 40 years |
| Stage III | mechanical disruption of the rotator cuff tendons (tear), changes in the coracoacromial arch and osteophytes along the acromion | usually >40 years |
References:
1. Neer CS 2nd. Impingement lesions. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1983 Mar;(173):70–7
2. Chang WK. Shoulder impoingement syndrome. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2004;15:493–510
3. NeerII CS. Anterior Acromioplasty for the Chronic Impingement Syndrome in the Shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005 Jun 1;87(6):1399–1399.
Updated 17/11/2013 10:20 by Lambert