|
The "rotator" cuff is a collective term for a group of four muscles and their associated tendons that join together within the shoulder. These four muscles
originate at different points on the shoulder blade and insert into the upper arm bone (humerus), as a common tendon. A healthy rotator cuff gives the shoulder strength,
flexibility, and stability. Injury to the rotator cuff may result from aging, trauma, repetitive stress or overexertion of a weakened shoulder muscle. Injury to the rotator cuff
can result in continuous pain, pain at night, tenderness and the loss of shoulder mobility.
Rotator cuff tears may occur with or result from other conditions in the shoulder, such as: shoulder impingement, tendonitis, shoulder instability and arthritis.
This injury is more common in adults, fifty years or older. Females and males are equally susceptible.
Non-surgical treatment can be an effective therapy for most cuff injuries.
A full thickness or large tear may require surgery; the rotator cuff will not repair itself without surgical repair. Younger people, more active people and those that have involvement of their dominant extremity will probably require surgical repair of their cuff tear to restore function and decrease pain.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
