Vaccination induced rotator cuff tear: A case report

Abstract

Intramuscular vaccinations are a necessary tool in the prevention of communicable disease in the public health realm. While commonplace, these vaccinations have the potential for adverse side effects and complications. While local skin reactions are the major cause of morbidity associated with immunizations, other more significant problems can arise. These problems can be secondary to the vaccine itself and/or the technique of administration. We present a rare and previously undescribed case of a vaccination induced rotator cuff tear occurring as the direct result of an inadvertent administration of a TDaP vaccine into the insertion of the infraspinatus and teres minor tendons on the posterior aspect of the greater tuberosity.