rotatorcuffletsel

Rotatorcuffletsel refers to injuries of the rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder and enable lifting and rotating the arm. The main components are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These structures run over the head of the humerus and are prone to degenerative wear and tears, especially with aging and repetitive overhead activity.

Most rotatorcuffletsel cases arise from overuse and degenerative changes, with acute tears following a fall or heavy lifting. Risk factors include age over 40, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and overhead sports such as tennis, baseball, or swimming.

Injury can present as tendinopathy, partial-thickness tears, or full-thickness tears. Common symptoms are shoulder pain, particularly around the lateral shoulder and during overhead movements, weakness when lifting the arm, night pain, and reduced range of motion.

Diagnosis uses a combination of physical examination tests for impingement and strength, plus imaging such as ultrasound or MRI; X-rays help assess bone spurs and other joint changes.

Treatment starts with nonoperative measures: rest or activity modification, physical therapy focusing on scapular stabilization and rotator cuff strengthening, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. Surgical repair is considered for persistent pain or large tears and can be performed arthroscopically or openly. Postoperative rehabilitation is gradual and typically spans several months. Overall prognosis is favorable for small tears, while larger tears have a higher risk of re-tear, especially in older patients.