Article:
Rotator Cuff Tears Can Affect Everyone

By Gita Pillai, MD

Most people think of athletes as getting rotator cuff tears. But the majority of people with rotator cuff tears are older, with people over 40 at higher risk for a tear, and people over 70 at an even higher risk.

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint, but really is more like a golf ball perched on a tee. The rotator cuff muscles are essential for stability and motion.

The hallmark of a rotator cuff tear is pain and weakness in the shoulder. Sometimes this follows an injury like a fall, but often there is no major injury. It is the result of wear and tear that occurs over time and causes the tendons to degenerate. A rotator cuff tear classically causes pain not only in the shoulder region but also down the arm to the elbow.

Patients with rotator cuff tears have pain with any activity that requires strength of the shoulder, particularly lifting objects away from the body—like placing a gallon of milk in the fridge. Patients also can have pain when they put on a coat or tuck in a shirt. And patients often experience pain that keeps them up at night.

Diagnosing a rotator cuff tear is done with a complete history and physical examination. If we suspect a rotator cuff tear, we usually obtain an MRI, which gives us information regarding the location and size of the tear, and also about the healthiness of the muscles.

Treatment of a rotator cuff tear is typically surgical. Sometimes patients opt to try physical therapy to increase strength, which is a reasonable option. But many active patients in their 40s, 50s, or even 60s with rotator cuff tears are not able to perform the activities that they would like to do and are often unable to sleep at night because of pain. Surgery is done arthroscopically, through small incisions with cameras and instruments placed into the shoulder.

We have learned a lot about rotator cuff tears in recent years. New repair techniques are constantly being explored and tested. Studies are being done to determine how to best maximize healing of the rotator cuff following surgery. So don’t delay any longer with seeing your doctor if you have shoulder weakness and pain. The longer you wait, the more difficult the repair, as the muscles of a rotator cuff when torn can degenerate over time. Results following rotator cuff repair are good, and patients can often get back to the activities that they love doing—whether that’s golf, tennis, or just playing with your children or grandchildren.

Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware
Offices in Lewes, Millsboro, Milton and Ocean View
302-644-3311