🦴 Rotator Cuff Tears
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury affecting the tendons of the shoulder, where one or more tendons of the rotator cuff muscles are torn or damaged. It can result from acute trauma or chronic degeneration and is a leading cause of shoulder pain and weakness, particularly in adults over 40.
🧠 What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for lifting and rotating the arm. These muscles are:
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres minor
- Subscapularis
🩺 Types of Tears
- Partial Tear: Tendon is damaged but not completely severed.
- Full-Thickness (Complete) Tear: Tendon is completely torn away from the bone.
🔍 Causes
- Degenerative (chronic wear and tear): Common with aging, especially in people over 50
- Acute injury: Lifting something heavy, falling on an outstretched arm
- Repetitive overhead motion: Sports (baseball, tennis) or occupations (painting, construction)
⚠️ Symptoms
- Dull, aching pain in the shoulder
- Pain when lifting or lowering the arm
- Weakness in the arm
- Crackling or popping sensation
- Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side
- Limited range of motion
🧪 Diagnosis
- Physical exam: Strength and mobility testing (e.g., drop arm test)
- MRI or ultrasound: To confirm tear location and severity
- X-ray: May show bone spurs or signs of arthritis (not the tear itself)
🛠️ Treatment Options
🩹 Non-Surgical (for partial tears or low-demand patients):
- Rest and activity modification
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Physical therapy: Strengthening shoulder and scapular muscles
- Corticosteroid injections (short-term relief)
🔧 Surgical (usually for complete tears or persistent symptoms):
- Arthroscopic repair: Minimally invasive tendon reattachment
- Open surgery (for large or complex tears)
- Tendon transfer or shoulder replacement (severe or irreparable tears)
🧘 Rehabilitation
Post-treatment rehab is crucial and may take several months:
- Immobilization (sling) initially after surgery
- Gradual physiotherapy
- Full recovery may take 4–6 months or longer, depending on the tear severity
🛡️ Prevention Tips
- Regular shoulder strengthening exercises
- Avoid repetitive overhead activity
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Warm up before sports or workouts