A rotator cuff tear is a common injury that can cause pain and limit the range of motion in the shoulder. “Each year, almost 2 million people in the United States visit their doctors because of rotator cuff tears.” Steven Struhl MD – AC Joint Separation explains more about how this injury occurs.
Rotator Cuff Tears – How They Happen
There are two main types of rotator cuff tears: traumatic tears and degenerative tears.
- Traumatic tears typically occur as a result of a sudden injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder.
- Degenerative tears, on the other hand, develop gradually over time due to wear and tear on the tendons. These tears are more common in older individuals and those who engage in repetitive overhead activities, such as athletes or manual laborers.
The rotator cuff is a crucial group of four muscles that converge as tendons to create a protective layer around the head of the humerus, keeping your arm securely in your shoulder socket. This structure attaches the humerus to the shoulder blade and plays a key role in lifting and rotating your arm.
When one or more of the rotator cuff tendons are torn, the tendon becomes partially or completely detached from the head of the humerus. Most tears occur in the supraspinatus tendon, but other parts of the rotator cuff may also be involved. The process often begins with fraying, and the tendon can completely tear, often when lifting heavy objects.
There are different types of tears:
- Partial tears do not completely detach the tendon from the bone. It is only torn partway through and then tendon is thinned.
- A Full-thickness tear is a complete detachment of part of the tendon from the bone.
In a medical research study, the overall prevalence of rotator cuff tears was 22.1%, and this incidence tends to rise with age. Asymptomatic tears were twice as prevalent as symptomatic tears.
Symptoms and Treatment of a Torn Rotator Cuff
The symptoms of a rotator cuff tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting or lowering the arm
- Weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks
- A clicking or popping sensation when moving the shoulder
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side due to pain and discomfort
To diagnose a rotator cuff tear, Dr. Struhl performs a physical examination of the shoulder and may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound.
Treatment for a rotator cuff tear depends on the severity of the injury. For mild to moderate tears, non-surgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to reduce pain and improve mobility. In more severe cases, especially for traumatic tears or large degenerative tears, surgery may be necessary to repair the torn tendon. Rehabilitation following a rotator cuff tear is a crucial part of the recovery process.
NYC Rotator Cuff Tear Repairs
A rotator cuff tear can be a painful and debilitating injury, but with the right treatment and rehabilitation, most individuals can regain strength and function in their shoulder. Contact Steven Struhl MD – AC Joint Separation in New York for help recovering from a rotator cuff tear.
Posted on behalf of Steven Struhl MD
