Rotator Cuff Injury

A group of muscles and tendons that are located around shoulder joint to keep the head of upper arm bone firm within the shallow socket of the shoulder is known as rotator cuff. It’s injury can lead to dull ache in the shoulder which usually worsen when arm is abducted away from the body. Rotator cuff injuries are particularly common in painters and carpenters, whose job require repeatedly performing overhead motions.

Symptoms

Patient with rotator cuff injury presents as:

Dull deep ache in the shoulder
Sleep disturbance due to pain
Difficulty in combing hairs or reaching back
Sometimes arm weakness can occur

Causes

Rotator cuff disease is caused by either injury to the shoulder or progressive degeneration of the tendon tissues. Tendons can be irritated or damaged when there’s repetitive overhead activities or heavy lifting over a prolonged period.

Complications

In untreated individuals, permanent loss of motion or weakness, or progressive degeneration of shoulder joint.
Frozen shoulder

Diagnosis

Diagnosis depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the shoulder joint. Strength test of shoulder and arms are also done. In some cases, imaging tests are also required such as: X-rays, ultrasound, MRI.

Treatment

Main treatment for rotator cuff injury is conservative treatments- such as resting, ice and physical therapy.
If the pain is not reduced from conservative treatment than steroid injections are given in the shoulder.
Sometimes, in severe cases, surgeries are also required such as: arthroscopic tendon repair, open tendon repair, tendon transfer, shoulder replacement

Rotator Cuff Injury