Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tear is a common cause of pain and disability in the adult population. The rotator cuff helps to lift and rotate the arm and to stabilize the ball of the shoulder within the joint.

Risk Factors/Prevention Rotator cuff tear is most common in people who are over the age of 40. It may occur in younger patients following acute trauma or repetitive overhead work or sports activity. Common examples are:

• Workers who do overhead activities such as painting, stocking shelves or construction
• Athletes such as swimmers, pitchers and tennis players

A cuff tear may also happen with another injury to the shoulder, such as a fracture or dislocation.

Symptoms Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear may develop acutely or have a more gradual onset. Acute pain usually follows trauma such as a lifting injury or a fall on the affected arm. More commonly, the onset is gradual and may be caused by repetitive overhead activity or by wear and degeneration of the tendon. You may feel pain in the front of your shoulder that radiates down the side of your arm. It may be relieved by over-the-counter medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Over time the pain may become noticeable at rest or with no activity at all. There may be pain when you lie on the affected side and at night. Other symptoms may include stiffness and loss of motion.

When the tear occurs with an injury, there may be sudden acute pain, a snapping sensation and an immediate weakness of the arm.

Diagnosis Diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear is based on your symptoms, your doctor's examination, X-rays, and imaging studies such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Your doctor will examine your shoulder to see if it is tender in any area or if there is a deformity. He or she will measure the range of motion of your shoulder in several different directions and test the strength of your arm.

Treatment Options: Surgical Your mmpc orthopaedic surgeon may recommend surgery if nonoperative treatment does not relieve your symptoms. Surgery may also be considered if the tear is acute and painful, if it is the dominant arm of an active individual or if you need maximum strength in your arm for overhead work or sports. Many surgical repairs can be done on an outpatient basis.

Rehabilitation After surgery, the arm is immobilized to allow the tear to heal. The length of immobilization depends upon the severity of the tear. You will be given an exercise program to help regain motion while it heals and will begin physical therapy within two weeks.