What it is
A partial or full-thickness tear of a rotator cuff tendon caused by trauma or degeneration. Tears on imaging may also be present without symptoms, so their relevance depends on history, weakness and examination.
Typical clinical symptoms
- Lateral shoulder and night pain
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- Sudden loss of function after a fall or heavy lift
- Difficulty raising the arm, combing hair or dressing
Video
No video has been added for this condition yet.
Scientific literature
External publications selected for this topic. Their scope may cover a specific condition, population or intervention within this topic; they do not constitute an individual treatment plan.
Epidemiology, natural history, and indications for treatment of rotator cuff tears.
Literature review · 2012
Shoulder
When is medical assessment needed?
Deformity after trauma, sudden inability to raise the arm, loss of sensation or pulse, a hot red shoulder with fever, or pain with chest pressure or breathing difficulty require prompt medical assessment.
Descriptions are for orientation. Diagnosis follows history, clinical examination and, only when indicated, imaging or laboratory tests.
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