Rotator Cuff Tear
The upper arm bone (humerus) is held to the shoulder socket (glenoid) by the rotator cuff, four tendons which cover the top of the bone. These attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade (scapula). The rotator cuff enables you to lift or rotate your arm. If the rotator cuff tendons are damaged, they may no longer be attached making it very difficult and painful to move the shoulder. Ruptured tendons in the rotator cuff vary in degree. Many times only one or two of the four tendons are injured. Injury can range from inflammation of the tendons (rotator cuff tendinitis) to partial or complete tearing of one or more tendons.
RELATED: Subacromial Decompression Surgery
Your Milwaukee Shoulder Doctor
The Wisconsin shoulder injury doctor will examine your shoulder and determine what treatments are necessary. Perhaps you tried to pick up something heavy and overloaded your rotator cuff. A rotator cuff tear can also be caused by repetitive stress during work or sports as well as during a fall or other traumatic injury.
You’ll want to be checked by a Milwaukee shoulder doctor to evaluate your strength and range of motion. Many nonsurgical treatments are effective such as rest, modifying your activity, and physical therapy. Rotator cuff surgery does not always have to be done. Your Milwaukee shoulder injury doctor will provide you an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatments.
