Rotator Cuff Tear or Injury
Damage to the shoulder’s tendons that can cause pain, weakness, and limited arm movement
A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the tendons in the rotator cuff—the group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder—are torn or damaged. This condition can lead to pain, weakness, and restricted shoulder movement. Dr Ben McGrath, an orthopaedic specialist, offers comprehensive care to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate rotator cuff tears, helping patients regain shoulder strength and function.
- What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
- Common Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears
- Causes and Risk Factors for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Types of Rotator Cuff Tears
- Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears
- Non-Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears
- When to See Dr Ben McGrath for Shoulder Pain
- FAQs About Rotator Cuff Tears
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons, which stabilise the shoulder joint and allow for smooth movement. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons become torn, either partially or completely, compromising shoulder stability and function.
Common Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears
Patients with a rotator cuff tear often report the following symptoms:
- Shoulder Pain: Pain that worsens with overhead activities or at night, particularly when lying on the affected side.
- Weakness: Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm due to reduced strength in the shoulder.
- Limited Range of Motion: Stiffness and difficulty performing everyday activities such as reaching or combing hair.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Sensations or sounds during movement may indicate a tear.
- Swelling and Tenderness: Localised inflammation around the shoulder joint.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and improve outcomes.
Causes and Risk Factors for Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears can occur due to:
- Acute Injury: Falls, direct trauma, or lifting heavy objects can cause sudden tears.
- Repetitive Overuse: Repeated overhead motions, common in sports or occupations, can weaken the tendons over time.
- Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear can lead to tendon thinning and tearing.
- Poor Posture: Forward-rounded shoulders can place stress on the rotator cuff tendons.
- Previous Shoulder Injuries: A history of dislocations or other shoulder conditions increases the risk.
Dr McGrath considers these factors when diagnosing and recommending treatment for rotator cuff tears.
Types of Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears are classified based on their severity and cause:
- Partial Tear: A partial thickness tear affects only part of the tendon, leaving it partially intact.
- Full-Thickness Tear: A complete tear where the tendon is fully detached from the bone.
- Degenerative Tear: Gradual wear and tear associated with ageing or repetitive stress.
- Acute Tear: A sudden tear caused by trauma or injury.
Understanding the type of tear helps guide the treatment plan.
Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears
Dr Ben McGrath uses a detailed diagnostic process to identify rotator cuff tears:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Assessing symptoms, range of motion, and shoulder strength through specific tests.
- Imaging Tests:
- MRI or Ultrasound: These provide detailed images of the tendons and identify the extent of the tear.
- X-rays: Used to rule out other conditions such as bone spurs or arthritis.
Accurate diagnosis ensures the most effective treatment plan for each patient.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears
Non-surgical management is often effective for partial or small tears:
- Physiotherapy: A tailored program to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and restore shoulder function.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding movements that aggravate symptoms and adopting ergonomic techniques can aid recovery.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These may be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief in cases of severe pain.
Non-surgical treatments aim to reduce symptoms and improve shoulder stability without invasive procedures.
Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears
Surgery may be necessary for large tears, complete tears, or cases that do not respond to conservative treatment:
- Arthroscopic Tendon Repair: A minimally invasive procedure to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.
- Open Surgery: Used for larger or complex tears, involving a traditional incision for better access to the shoulder.
- Tendon Transfer: In cases where the rotator cuff cannot be repaired, tendons from nearby muscles may be transferred to restore function.
- Shoulder Replacement: In severe cases with significant joint damage, a reverse total shoulder replacement may be performed.
Dr McGrath discusses surgical options based on the patient’s activity level, age, and tear severity. Post-operative rehabilitation is critical for optimal recovery.
When to See Dr Ben McGrath for Shoulder Pain
If shoulder pain persists for more than a few weeks, or if weakness, instability, or restricted movement limits daily activities, a consultation with Dr McGrath can provide a detailed assessment and personalised treatment plan.
FAQs About Rotator Cuff Tears
Partial tears often improve with physiotherapy and non-surgical treatments, but complete tears usually require surgical repair for full recovery.
Recovery times vary, but most patients regain full function within 3–6 months with proper rehabilitation.
Maintaining strong shoulder muscles, improving flexibility, and using proper techniques during activities can reduce the risk of tears.