Rotator Cuff Tear

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body. It is capable of a wide range of motion which also makes it prone to injury. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint surrounded by a group of four muscles. This structure is critical for stabilizing the upper arm and shoulder and is referred to as the rotator cuff. 

Tears of the rotator cuff are a common cause of shoulder pain. Damage to the rotator cuff are often a result of trauma to the shoulder, such as with a sports injury or vehicle accident, or caused by wear and tear that occurs over time.

A rotator cuff tear can range in severity. The most common indication of a torn rotator cuff is pain or weakness felt in the shoulder, especially when lifting or rotating your arm.

Our doctors at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster take many aspects of your health into consideration as they develop your treatment plan. Most often, a nonsurgical approach can be successful. If surgical repair is necessary, our on-site surgery centers offer state-of-the-art technology that provide less invasive procedures and faster recovery times.

Symptoms

  • Shoulder pain that is often localized over the deltoid muscle or outer shoulder
  • Pain that is often worse at night or when lifting your arms overhead
  • Weakness with use of shoulder
  • Muscle wasting in the affected area

Causes

  • Overuse of the shoulder caused by repetitive functions often associated with sports or some occupations
  • Trauma to the shoulder such as a sports injury, vehicle accident, or fall

Risk Factors

  • Participating in sports with throwing or overhead lifting such as baseball, tennis, or weightlifting
  • Occupations where repetitive tasks engaging the shoulder are necessary such as construction fields
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Excess weight

Diagnosis

  • Description of your symptoms and medical history
  • Physical examination to evaluate strength and mobility of the shoulder
  • X-ray to show bone health
  • MRI or ultrasound to show soft tissue health and determine the extent and location of the tear

Treatment Options

  • RICE therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
  • Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief or local corticosteroid injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgical repair may be recommended in severe cases. This may include an arthroscopic or open procedure.