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