Rotator cuff tear

Question 1

What are the 4 rotator cuff muscles?

Answer 1

Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Teres minor
Subscapularis

Question 2

What is a rotator cuff tear?

Answer 2

Tears to the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles

Question 3

What is the main cause of acute rotator cuff tear?

Answer 3

Trauma

Question 4

What is the main cause of chronic rotator cuff tear?

Answer 4

Degeneration with age

Question 5

How will rotator cuff tear usually present?

Answer 5

Weakness of movement
Pain in shoulder

Question 6

What are some clinical signs of rotator cuff tear?

Answer 6

Muscle wastage (Possible)
Tenderness sub deltoid region
Restricted active movement but normal passive movement

Question 7

What are some investigations used in rotator cuff tear?

Answer 7

X-ray (1st line)
USS (Good ROM)
MRI (Poor ROM)

Question 8

How are acute cuff tears usually managed?

Answer 8

Rest
Analgesia
Sling
Physiotherapy

Question 9

How are chronic rotator cuff tears managed?

Answer 9

Physiotherapy
Steroid injection
Monitoring

Question 10

What surgical interventions can be used in rotator cuff tear?

Answer 10

Arthroscopic or open repair

Question 11

Describe the rehabilitation pathway of rotator cuff tear

Answer 11

• 6 weeks sling
• 8-10 weeks no driving
• 12 weeks no heavy lifting
• Prolonged physiotherapy
• Prolonged recovery (6-9 months)