Description

Tears of the rotator cuff of the shoulder are potentially painful and disabling conditions. Treatments for rotator cuff tears vary widely depending upon the severity of symptoms and signs. The person with a rotator cuff tear can have a sudden (acute/traumatic) or gradual (chronic) onset of shoulder pain with or without weakness. Although tears can occur as a result of a traumatic injury, many tears occur gradually and no specific injury can be recalled. The pain associated with rotator cuff tears is usually located at the front and side of the shoulder or upper arm, and is frequently described as having an aching, burning or toothachy quality. The pain usually occurs with overhead motions, but can progress to the point that it is present with normal activities or wake the patient during sleep.

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