Rotator Cuff Tear

The most common symptom of rotator cuff tears is dull pain deep in the shoulder.
Specifically, patients may experience:

• Pain radiating from the damaged rotator cuff area
• Pain in the shoulder area that tends to be worse at night
• Muscle weakness in the shoulder (including issues with holding the injured arm overhead)
• Popping or cracking sounds emanating from the shoulder

Our specialists take great care of evaluating your symptoms and performing diagnostic measures, including:

• A physical exam to determine your range of motion and pain levels
• Imaging, such as:
  • X-Rays
  • MRI
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan

If the tear is minor, your treatment may include, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or a cortisone injection.

If the tear is significant, your shoulder specialist may recommend surgery.

Our shoulder surgeons perform rotator cuff repair arthroscopically through several tiny incisions. The surgeon works with small instruments including a miniaturized camera, while looking at the inside of the shoulder on a television monitor.