Rotator Cuff Injuries

What are rotator cuff injuries?

The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscle-tendon groups that surround the top portion of the humerus (upper arm bone) within the shoulder joint. This grouping of muscles and tendons enables the shoulder joint to have a wide range of motion while firmly holding the humeral head within its socket. This unique flexibility, however, does make the rotator cuff vulnerable to injury. Damage to the rotator cuff can occur from bracing a fall onto an outstretched arm, tendon weakening from natural aging, or a sports- or work-related injury. Rotator cuff injuries can span anywhere from a mild inflammation of the tendons to partial or complete tearing of the tendons from their attachment sites. If left untreated, the damage from rotator cuff injuries can weaken the tendons and ultimately lead to normal daily activities, such as brushing hair or getting dressed, becoming difficult or painful to perform. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder specialist serving patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients with rotator cuff injuries.

What are the symptoms of rotator cuff injuries?

Shoulder joint pain is frequently reported among individuals with suspected rotator cuff injuries. Sudden injuries typically result in more intense shoulder joint pain and immediate arm weakness, whereas symptoms from chronic use of the shoulder joint often develop gradually. Some other common symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include:

• Worsening pain with reaching overhead or behind the back
• A “crackling” or “grating” sensation with certain shoulder movements
• Pain that worsens at night, particularly with sleeping on the affected shoulder
• Shoulder weakness with rotating or lifting the arm
• Pain that may radiate from the affected shoulder into the upper arm
• A “snapping” sensation at the time of injury
• Pain that is more noticeable at rest and no longer responds to over-the-counter medications

How are rotator cuff injuries diagnosed?

A medical history is gathered by Dr. Lamplot which includes the precipitating injury, any prior shoulder injuries, any underlying health conditions that may contribute to tendon weakening, and current symptoms. A thorough physical examination will follow and involves performing certain shoulder tests that evaluate the rotator cuff and other shoulder structures for damage.

Diagnostic imaging studies can also be beneficial in confirming rotator cuff injuries. X-rays can help identify chronic bony changes may indicate injury to the rotator cuff. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most useful diagnostic tool for verifying rotator cuff injuries while also determining if any other shoulder joint structures are damaged.

What is the treatment for rotator cuff injuries?

Non-surgical treatment:

Patients that sustained minimal damage from rotator cuff injuries often respond well to non-surgical therapies alone. Incomplete tears, or partial thickness tears, should initially be treated non-surgically. Rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can also control any pain and inflammation associated with this condition. Dr. Lamplot may recommend a physical therapy program focused on strengthening the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff. In certain circumstances, a steroid (cortisone) injection may be considered in order to make physical therapy better tolerated.

Surgical treatment:

Surgical intervention may be necessary when non-surgical therapies fail or when rotator cuff injuries result in complete tendon detachment or extensive damage to the rotator cuff. Surgical repair of the rotator cuff can be accomplished with shoulder arthroscopy. This minimally invasive surgical procedure uses a small camera (arthroscope) to visualize the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the shoulder. Any irregularities, such as bone spurs or tendon tears, are corrected with specialized surgical instruments. Both patients and surgeons typically prefer this arthroscopic surgical technique due to the smaller incisions, shorter recovery period, and improved outcomes.

Rotator Cuff Injury Specialist