Rotator cuff tear is a common injury that affects the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and tendons that attach to the humerus (upper arm bone) and help to move and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in any of these tendons can lead to pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder.
Symptoms
- Pain in the shoulder, particularly when lifting or lowering the arm
- Weakness in the arm and shoulder
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Cracking or popping sensations when moving the shoulder
- Shoulder tenderness
Causes
- Acute injury, such as a fall or a blow to the shoulder
- Repetitive overhead motion, such as in sports like baseball or tennis
- Chronic degeneration due to aging or overuse
Risk factors
- Age (tears are more common in people over 40)
- Participation in sports that involve overhead motions
- Occupations that require repetitive shoulder movements (e.g. painting, construction)
- Genetics
- Poor posture
Associated conditions
- Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sac in the shoulder joint)
- Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder)
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Diagnosis
- Physical examination to assess range of motion and shoulder strength
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the tear
Differential diagnosis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Impingement syndrome
Treatment options
- Rest and ice to reduce pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and improve range of motion
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Surgery, particularly for larger or more severe tears
Typical recovery timeframes
- Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the tear and the chosen treatment option
- Rest and physical therapy can take several weeks to several months
- Surgery and recovery can take several months to a year or more
Prognosis
- Prognosis is generally good with proper treatment
- Smaller tears may heal with rest and physical therapy alone
- Surgery may be necessary for larger or more severe tears, but most people are able to regain full or nearly full range of motion and strength after surgery and rehabilitation.