Rotator Cuff Tear

Item: OrthoNeuro
Rating: 5
Author: Heather Benjamin

What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that are located at the back of the shoulder.

The rotator cuff helps keep the “ball” in the “socket” of the shoulder maintaining joint stability. These muscles rotate and raise the arm overhead.

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About Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears can be caused by an accident or injury, such as a fall or direct impact onto the shoulder, or as the result of wear and tear of the shoulder.

Rotator cuff tears are usually classified into two groups and the treatment for your injury may be based on the severity of the tear as well as your unique lifestyle.

Partial thickness tear. One or more tendons within the rotator cuff have been damaged but are not completely torn.

Full thickness tear. One or more tendons within the rotator cuff are torn completely from their attachment to the bone.

Patients who sustain rotator cuff tears may experience any combination of the following symptoms:

Pain in the form of a deep ache

Stiffness

Difficulty rotating and/or lifting the arm

Pain that is often worse at night

If you are experiencing symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, it is best to make an appointment with one of the Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons at OrthoNeuro as soon as possible.

Delaying treatment may cause the tear and its symptoms to become worse.

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At OrthoNeuro, our Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons have helped thousands of patients with rotator cuff tears live active and healthy lives using the latest non-surgical and surgical procedures.

Treatment Options for a Rotator Cuff Tear

Depending upon the classification of the tear, nonsurgical treatment options may be used to reduce pain and inflammation and strengthen the shoulder.

These can include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physical therapy
Cortisone Injections

In other cases, your OrthoNeuro specialist may recommend surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff using a procedure known as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair if non-surgical treatments have not provided pain relief.

This procedure uses two small incisions as well as a surgical camera and small surgical instruments to repair the damaged tendon and reattach it to its correct position in the shoulder.

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.

Book an Appointment

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.