Rotator Cuff Tear

What is a rotator cuff tear, and how is it treated?

Have you been experiencing shoulder pain recently? Perhaps you are wondering if you have a torn rotator cuff. If so, do not despair.

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at OrthoNeuro have helped thousands with shoulder pain from a torn rotator cuff return to an active and healthy lifestyle.

We offer several treatment options using the latest non-surgical and surgical procedures. Schedule an appointment today at one of our many locations throughout Greater Columbus.

Anatomy of Your Rotator Cuff

Your rotator cuff consists of four muscles located at the back of your shoulder. The rotator cuff helps stabilize the “ball” of your upper arm bone in the “socket” and maintains the stability of your shoulder joint.

These rotator cuff muscles rotate and give you the ability to raise your arm overhead.

What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Rotator cuff tears occur when your tendons pull away from your arm bone.

Generally, rotator cuff tears are classified into two groups, and they are as follows:

A partial tear or an incomplete tear occurs when one or more tendons within the rotator cuff have been damaged but are not completely torn away from the bone.
Full tear or complete tear occurs when one or more tendons within the rotator cuff are torn completely from their attachment to the bone.

What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear can be caused by an accident or injury, such as a fall or direct blow to your shoulder. Most rotator cuff tears are caused by progressive wear and tear on the shoulder (degenerative tear).

Additional factors that can increase your chances of experiencing a rotator cuff tear include:

Overuse
Bone spurs
Your genetic makeup
Your occupation and/or sports participation, if they require repetitive shoulder movements
Your age

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

If you have sustained a rotator cuff tear, you may experience any combination of the following symptoms:

Deep aching pain in your shoulder joint
Difficulty rotating and/or lifting your arm
Pain that often intensifies at night
Arm weakness
Stiffness

If you are experiencing symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, it would be beneficial to make an appointment with one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at OrthoNeuro as soon as possible.

Delaying necessary treatment may cause the tear and its symptoms to become more severe in nature.

How Are Rotator Cuff Tears Diagnosed?

To make an accurate rotator cuff tear diagnosis, your specialist will first review your medical history.

Then, they will perform a physical examination to check your range of motion and arm strength. Your specialist may also request an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound.

Treatment Options For a Rotator Cuff Tear

Depending upon the severity of your tear, nonsurgical treatment options may be used to reduce pain and inflammation and assist you in regaining strength in your shoulder.

These nonsurgical treatments for rotator cuff injuries can include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Cortisone injections
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections
Physical therapy

For severe injuries or if non-surgical treatments have not provided pain relief and improved function, your OrthoNeuro specialist may recommend surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff using a procedure known as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

During this procedure, small incisions will be made. A surgical camera and small instruments will be used to repair the damaged tendon and reattach it to its correct position in the shoulder.

This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be able to return home the same day as your procedure.

How Can a Rotator Cuff Injury Be Prevented?

A rotator cuff injury can be prevented by keeping your muscles and tendons flexible. Your specialist can teach you various stretching and strengthening exercises that you can do at home to strengthen your shoulder muscles.

Rotator cuff tears, whether partial or complete, require treatment. Our board-certified specialists at OrthoNeuro can assist you!

We will carefully evaluate your lifestyle and goals to design a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. Schedule an appointment today at one of our many offices conveniently located throughout Columbus, OH!

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Shoulder Specialist Today!

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.

We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you.

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.