Shoulder Ligament or Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear occurs when your rotator cuff gets injured, leading to shoulder pain and trouble using your arm. The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons in your shoulder. These muscles and tendons work together to lift your arm and move it away from your body. They also keep the ball of your upper arm bone (humerus) sitting in the shoulder blade socket.

What are the Different Types of Rotator Cuff Tears? The main types of torn rotator cuffs are:

• Partial Tear: A partial tear leaves the tendon partially connected to the arm bone.
• Complete Tear: A complete tear happens when the tendon detaches from the bone, leaving a rip or hole in the tendon.

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear You might experience:

• Trouble, discomfort, and weakness from lifting, lowering, or turning your arm.
• Sounds or feelings of popping, clicking, or cracking when moving your arm in certain ways.
• Shoulder pain that gets worse when resting or sleeping at night.
• Weakness in the shoulder, making it hard to lift objects.

What leads to Rotator Cuff Tears? An injury like falling may lead to a broken collarbone or dislocated shoulder, which could result in a torn rotator cuff. However, most rotator cuff tears happen gradually. Tendons weaken and wear out over years of use and ageing (degenerative tear). Individuals above 40 face the highest risk. Common reasons for degenerative tears include:

• Bone spurs: Extra bone growth can develop on the top of the shoulder bone. These growths press against the tendon when the arm is lifted. Over time, this friction between the bone and tendon, called shoulder impingement, can lead to a partial or full tear.
• Lower blood flow: Blood reaching the rotator cuff reduces with age. Muscles and tendons need good blood flow to heal themselves. Without enough blood to nourish the tendons, they might tear. Frequent shoulder motions in sports or work can put a strain on muscles and tendons. This strain might lead to a tear.

What puts you at risk of Rotator Cuff Tears? A cuff tear can happen to anyone at any time. Certain things make it more likely:

• Family members with a history of shoulder issues or rotator cuff injuries.
• Slouching or sitting with bad posture.
• Smoking habits.
• Being 40 years old or older.

People get degenerative tears more often when they use their shoulders in the same way, such as:

• Mechanics
• Painters
• Carpenters
• Athletes playing baseball, softball, or tennis. Rowers, both recreational and professional, are also in this group.

How to diagnose a Rotator Cuff Tear? Doctors perform a physical exam to assess shoulder tenderness, arm strength, and how far you can move your shoulder. You might need tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• An X-ray to identify arthritis or bone spurs.
• An MRI or ultrasound to detect tears in the tendon.

Treatment and Management You can treat a rotator cuff tear using either surgery or nonsurgical methods. Nonsurgical methods: A rotator cuff tear cannot heal itself without surgery, but strengthening shoulder muscles can often help reduce pain and improve movement.

• Use a sling and rest to let your shoulder heal.
• Take NSAIDs to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Do physical therapy to practice exercises that improve strength and flexibility.
• Get steroid shots to lessen pain and inflammation.

Surgical options: If you have a full tear or if nonsurgical treatments don’t work for partial or complete tears, your doctor might suggest surgery. Surgery may also be an option if your work or sports activities depend on your shoulder.

How do I avoid a painful Rotator Cuff Tear? To avoid a painful rotator cuff tear, you need muscles and tendons that stretch well. A doctor might show you exercises to strengthen and stretch at home.