Rotator Cuff Tear

 

Mechanism/Injury:              

General wear and tear of the shoulder tendons

Above shoulder height and repetitive activities

Genetics, Sporting Activities, Wok related, Age Related Change

Commonly Supraspinatus muscle- lifts the arm from the side

Complete tear through tendon insertion on to bone

Tear varies in size- small <1cm,medium 1-3cm, large 3-5cm, massive >5cm

 

Symptoms:                           

Pain down into upper arm on raising arm forwards or sideways

Pain on rotation of arm- reaching for seat belt, arm in to sleeve

Pain on lying on arm in bed, disturbed sleep

Weakness of shoulder movements

Potential inability to lift the arm-psuedoparlysis

 

Investigations:                     

X-Ray, Ultrasound scan, MRI scan

 

Treatment options:            

Pain killers

Physiotherapy

Injections (steroid/cortisone)

Subacromial Decompression

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair