Rotator Cuff Injuries
Muscles of the Rotator Cuff
Rotator Cuff Repair
Overview
The rotator cuff muscles and tendons hold your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. Injuries to the rotator cuff can be due to several reasons; trauma, overuse, impingement and aging to name a few.
Causes
A sudden tear in the rotator cuff can be caused by a traumatic fall, or by lifting a heavy weight incorrectly. Tears can also happen gradually from repetitive motions. In some shoulders, there is not enough space between the rotator cuff and the acromion (a bony projection of the shoulder blade). Lifting the arm can cause the acromion to pinch a rotator cuff tendon, which is called shoulder impingement. Overtime, this can lead to tears. The risk of rotator cuff tears increases with age. With age, the blood supply to the shoulder decreases and the body has a difficult time repairing itself after minor injuries. Tendons and muscles can gradually become damaged with the normal stress of everyday use and tears can happen more easily.
Symptoms
Rotator cuff injuries typically cause pain in the shoulder, even when you are at rest. Other symptoms include hearing a grinding or popping sound, weakness in the arm or inability to lift the arm.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Some benefit from rest and medications while others need injections or physical therapy. If those prove ineffective, surgery may be needed.