Reviewed by Joseph Maloney, MDThe rotator cuff is a group of tendons that connects the four muscles of the upper shoulder to the bones. The strength of the cuff allows the muscles to lift and rotate the humerus (the bone of the upper arm) and to give the shoulder joint its large range of motion.
Image courtesy of Grant's Atlas of Anatomy
| Learn More |
 Video Resources: See how a rotator cuff tear is repaired arthroscopically
Video courtesy of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
|
When the tendons or muscles of the rotator cuff tear or are significantly strained, the patient is no longer able to lift or rotate his or her arm with the same range of motion or strength as before the injury or has significant pain associated with shoulder motion. The pain is also very common at night, often radiating down the arm. Causes and Risk Factors
Causes
- Injury, especially while trying to lift or catch a heavy object
- Overuse, especially after a period of inactivity
- Poor blood supply to an area of the cuff
- A fall on an outstretched arm
- A gradual weakening of the tendons of the shoulder, often associated with impingement
- Having too much weight focused on one of the less strong muscles, usually that associated with the supraspinatus tendon
Risk Factors
Risk factors include age and weak musculature.
Last updated: May-16-07
