Conditions of the Shoulder - Rotator Cuff Tears

04 October 2010

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common shoulder conditions, and are painful and cause the patient to have limited range of motion. Those with a rotator cuff tear will often find that they are not able to lift their injured arm above the shoulder, and will notice a decrease in the ability to perform tasks such as brushing their hair, reaching for a high shelf, or holding objects at eye level. Weakness and tenderness of the area are also very common. Sleep is often interrupted, as this injury can be aggravated by lying on the injured shoulder.

The rotator cuff consists of tendons and muscles that connect the upper bone of your arm to your shoulder blade, and assist in holding the joint of the shoulder together. A rotator cuff complication can occur through injury, trauma, or repetitive motion such as playing pitcher for a baseball team.

There are different types of rotator cuff problems that may arise, including bursitis, tendinitis, straining/tearing of the ligaments. The bursa is small and sac-like, filled with fluid to aid in the smooth motion of the shoulder. Bursitis, a type of rotator cuff disorder, is the condition that occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed or sustains prolonged irritation. Tendinitis is often seen in athletes who play tennis or racquetball frequently and for long periods of time. It is characterized by tendons that have become inflamed due to their overuse. If tendinitis is not caught soon enough and is left untreated, it can progress into tendon strain or tendon tear. And lastly, aging can be a factor in rotator cuff disorders. As we age, our tendons may lose some of their initial integrity, which can lead to wearing, straining and tearing of the tendon.

Treatment for rotator cuff problems should begin as conservatively as possible, and may include resting, applying ice packs to the shoulder and taking over-the-counter medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen. Should these conservative treatments fail, consultation with your physician is the next step to be taken. Your doctor may recommend injections consisting of corticosteroids to aid in the reduction of inflammation and pain. In addition, your physician may recommend physical therapy and reconditioning. If the tear in the rotator cuff is significant, surgery may be indicated.

The most important information to take note of is that rotator cuff injuries can be prevented. By taking care not to hyper-extend the shoulder and preventing overuse, injuries to the rotator cuff may be able to be avoided. Care should be taken by athletes to use correct form, and to always rest and apply ice packs should they feel any pain or fatigue in the shoulder.