Rotator Cuff Injury

Question 1

ESSENCE

Answer 1

Injury to tendons of rotator cuff muscles, can be partially or fully torn

Question 2

AETIOLOGY

Risk factors

Answer 2

• Age
• Repetative overhead movement
• History of tears
• Shoulder injury

Question 3

AETIOLOGY

Main cause

Answer 3

• Acute traumatic event, repetative or vigorous overhead activity
• Chronic degeneration

Question 4

How is it seen as continuum

Answer 4

Can be considered final stage of continuum of pathology and clinical symptoms referred to as subacromial impingement syndrome

Impingement is narrowing of space between undersurface of acromion and superior aspect of humeral head

Question 5

ANATOMY

Muscles of rotator cuff and actions

Answer 5

• Remember SITS
  
  • Supraspinatus - abducts arm
  • Infraspinatus - externally rotates arm
  • Teres minor - external rotates arm
  • Subscapularis - internally rotates arm

Question 6

CLINICAL FEATURES

Presentation

Answer 6

• Acute onset after injury or gradual onset of symptoms
• Shoulder pain
• Weakness and pain with specific movements relating to site of tear (eg abduction with supraspinatus tear)
• Maybe disrupted sleep due to pain in shoulder