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Dr. Daniel C. Eby

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Torn Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and their related muscles that keep the shoulder and upper arm bone securely placed in the socket of the shoulder. The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder joint and helps you to raise and move your arms.

Bone spurs, repetitive activities or trauma cause damage to the rotator cuff. Over time or with an injury, the rotator cuff breaks down and can tear. Inflammatory conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis can contribute.

The type of tear in your shoulder will determine what treatment you will need. There are partial tears and full-thickness tears. There are tears that can affect a single tendon or multiple tendons. All tears progress with time and continued use of your shoulder. For example, a partial tear will progress to a full-thickness tear due to repetitive use, bone spurs, or other injuries. Another example is one tendon that is torn can eventually affect the other tendons within the rotator cuff.

Risk factors

  • Arthritis in your shoulder
  • Bone spurs
  • Overuse or repetitive activities
  • Trauma or injury to your shoulder

Symptoms

  • Pain in shoulder
  • Weakness
  • Waking at night due to pain
  • Limited motion

Imaging and diagnosis

The first imaging test should be X-rays and ultrasound. Although, a full assessment of the tear will often require an MRI.

Treatment

Small tears with minor symptoms require conservative measures. Dr. Eby and staff will recommend anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and/or physical therapy to resolve your symptoms. 

Large or complete tears of a tendon require surgical fixation in order to return to your normal function. Without a repair, your injured tendon may progress to a full tear. As well as, the muscles affected will weaken from not using them.

REFERENCES

McMahon, Patrick J., and Harry B. Skinner. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Medical, 2021.
Jennifer, Rynders, and Sara D Hart. Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants. 1st ed., Elsevier – Health Science, 2013.