What Is a Torn Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff refers to a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons cover the top of your upper arm bone and let you to raise and rotate your arm.
Doctors define a torn rotator cuff as a tear of one or more of the tendons that cover this bone (the humerus). A torn rotator cuff means the tendon is pulling away from the humerus.
A torn rotator cuff is a common injury. Every year, about 2 million people see their doctor for rotator cuff pain. For some, it's a nagging pain. For others, the pain is sudden and from an injury.
What are the types of rotator cuff tears?
A torn rotator cuff can be partial or total.
- A partial tear doesn't cause the rotator muscles to sever completely.
- A total tear — also known as a full-thickness tear — completely severs the muscles to where they split in two.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Common causes of a severe tear in the rotator cuff can include:
- Trauma to the shoulder from a direct blow.
- Falling on an outstretched arm.
- Lifting something too heavy with a jerking motion.
People also tear rotator cuffs from overuse. This is called a degenerative tear and happens over time, as you have wear and tear on the tendon.
Activities that require an overhead motion of the arm and rotation of the joint can lead to a tear. Sports that involve repetitive motion often cause rotator cuff pain. Some of these sports include baseball, tennis, racquetball, rowing, weightlifting, and gymnastics.
Your job may also put you at risk for injuring your rotator cuff if you repeat the same shoulder motions each day.
What are the risk factors of rotator cuff tears?
A rotator cuff tear is more likely to occur under certain circumstances.
These risk factors include:
- Playing sports, such as baseball, swimming, or tennis.
- Work or sports that stress repetitive overhead arm motion.
- Age greater than 40 years old.
- Heavy lifting.
- Weakened shoulder muscles from reduced (or lack of) activity.
What are the possible rotator cuff tear complications?
If left untreated, a rotator cuff tear can severely restrict function and range of motion.
The tear can also increase over time. This may cause partial rotator cuff tears to progress to total tears.
While anti-inflammatory drugs can ease pain at the beginning of the injury, time worsens the tear and makes these medicines less effective.
Why Choose UPMC Orthopaedic Care for Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment?
- UPMC has one of the highest-funded orthopaedic research departments in the nation, with access to ongoing clinical trials, particularly useful for those seeking repair of a rotator cuff tear.
- We offer expert orthopaedic surgery services and treatments to people of all ages to help them get back to enjoying their lives.