Rotator cuff tears

Question 1

What are the four rotator cuff muscles and their specific action?

Answer 1

S - supraspinatus - abducts the arm
I - infraspinatus - externally rotates the arm
T - teres minor - externally rotates the arm
S - subscapularis - internally rotates the arm

Question 2

How do rotate cuff tears present?

Answer 2

Acute or gradual
Shoulder pain
Weakness and pain with specific movements

Question 3

How can they be diagnosed?

Answer 3

USS or mRI

Question 4

What is the management of rotator cuff tears?

Answer 4

Non-surgical - rest, analgesia, physiotherapy
surgical - arthroscopic rotator cuff repair