Rotator Cuff Tear
Your rotator cuff is made up of a group of tendons in your shoulder. These tendons provide support and allow for a greater range of motion in your shoulder joint. A tear in these tendons, called rotator cuff tear, is a common injury, especially in middle-aged and older adults.
What causes a rotator cuff tear?
Common causes of rotator cuff tear include:
- Sports injury
- An injury from a car accident
- Wear and tear from repeated over-the-head movements
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff tear is a common cause of severe shoulder pain. In addition to pain, the condition can cause:
- Loss of movement
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Crackling feeling when moving the shoulder
How will my doctor treat a rotator cuff tear?
You may start with non-surgical options, such as a shoulder sling, medications, injections, and rest. However, it’s common to need surgery if these do not resolve your symptoms.
Rotator cuff tears can be repaired using traditional or minimally invasive surgery. During surgery, your surgeon will use sutures to anchor the injured tendons to the bone. After the procedure, your care team will give you instructions for recovery and help you learn exercises to regain strength in your shoulder.