Description
The rotator cuff is a band of tendons which compose a portion of the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is composed of tendons of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis muscles. Rotator cuff syndrome is a spectrum of diseases ranging from shoulder impingement, to inflammation (tendonitis or bursitis) to a partial or complete tear (rotator cuff tear).
Symptoms
Shoulder pain which may radiate down to the elbow. Pain with reaching, lifting, and overhead activities. Tenderness may be experienced through the front, side and back of the shoulder. Most individuals with rotator cuff pain will experience increased pain at night while sleeping.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. In most cases this is all that is needed for making a diagnosis. Shoulder x-rays can check for other causes of pain, such as fracture. A MRI is useful in severe cases, when your doctor suspects a rotator cuff tear..
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. In most cases this is all that is needed for making a diagnosis. Shoulder x-rays can check for other causes of pain, such as fracture. A MRI is useful in severe cases, when your doctor suspects a rotator cuff tear..
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the extent of injury but may include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), injection of the shoulder, physical therapy, and (in the case of a rotator cuff tear) surgery.