Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable lifting and rotation of the arm. Rotator cuff injuries range from tendinitis and partial tears to complete full-thickness tears, and are a leading cause of shoulder pain and disability.

Causes and Types

Rotator cuff injuries can be acute (from a fall, lifting injury, or shoulder dislocation) or degenerative (from years of repetitive overhead activity and age-related tendon degeneration). The supraspinatus tendon is most commonly torn.

Partial-thickness tears involve only a portion of the tendon, while full-thickness tears extend completely through the tendon. Massive tears involve two or more tendons and present a more complex surgical challenge.

Treatment

Partial tears and small full-thickness tears in older, lower-demand patients are often managed non-surgically with physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and activity modification.

Surgical repair is recommended for acute tears in active patients, large or massive tears, and cases that fail conservative management. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair reattaches the torn tendon to the bone using suture anchors. Recovery involves a structured rehabilitation program over 4–6 months.

Common Symptoms

Shoulder pain, especially at night
Weakness with lifting or reaching overhead
Pain with reaching behind the back
Crackling sensation with shoulder movement
Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder
Acute pain and weakness after a fall or injury

Treatment Options

Physical therapy and rotator cuff strengthening
NSAIDs and activity modification
Corticosteroid injection
PRP injection for partial tears
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Superior capsule reconstruction for irreparable tears
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for massive irreparable tears

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Dr. Kinchelow specializes in treating rotator cuff injuries. Schedule a consultation today.

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