Rotator cuff injury may include tendinitis, strain, or tear of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and four separate tendons that fuse together to surround the shoulder joint.
Causes of a rotator cuff injury include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for a rotator cuff injury include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will carefully examine your shoulder. You will be asked to move your shoulder in several directions.
Tests may include:
The treatment will depend on the extent of your injury, level of pain, and amount of immobility. The first step is usually a nonsurgical approach.
This involves surgery on the bony structures that impinge the rotator cuff. It can be arthroscopic or open.
A small instrument is inserted into the shoulder and used to remove bone spurs or degenerated portions of the rotator cuff tendons. Lesser tears can be repaired during arthroscopy as well.
This combines arthroscopy with an incision in the shoulder joint. Through the incision, the doctor can suture larger tears in the tendons.
This is used to repair the injured tendon in more severe cases. A tissue transfer or a tendon graft can be done during surgery if the tear is too large to be closed together. In the most severe cases, a joint replacement may be necessary.
Depending on the extent of your injury, full recovery can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, and sometimes longer.
If you are diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury, follow your doctor's instructions .
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
The University of British Columbia Department of Orthopaedics
http://www.orthosurgery.ubc.ca/index.html
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/ .
Azar FM. Canale: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 10th ed. Philadelphia; Mosby; 2003. Ch. 44, 49.
Bowen JE, Malanga GA. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . 1st ed. Philadelphia; Hanley and Belfus; 2002. Ch. 16.
Deu RS. Common Sports Injuries: Upper Extremity Injuries. Clin Fam Pract . 2005 Jun; 7(2); 249-265.
Malanga GA, Bowen JE. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . 1st ed. Philadelphia; Hanley and Belfus; 2002. Ch. 17.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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