WHAT’S A ROTATOR CUFF TEAR?

The rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder are very susceptible to gradual “atraumatic” tears over time from repetitive use, and acute “traumatic” tears that can occur from a sudden, violent force imparted onto the shoulder, like from a fall or while playing sports. When the rotator cuff is torn, it is often painful, particularly if the tear is traumatic. Rotator cuff tears can also cause biomechanical dysfunction, leading to an inability to elevate the shoulder.

SYMPTOMS OF A ROTATOR CUFF TEAR

Whether a tear develops suddenly or gradually, it can cause significant pain and limit your ability to move your shoulder. Typical symptoms include:

Pain at rest or during certain movements
Pain that interrupts sleep, especially when lying on the affected side
Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
A crackling or popping sensation with movement
Sudden, intense pain after an injury — sometimes accompanied by a snapping sound

With chronic tears, discomfort often worsens over time. Tasks like combing your hair, brushing your teeth, or reaching overhead can become painful or nearly impossible.

CHRONIC ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

Over time, the rotator cuff can begin to degenerate — especially after the age of 40. “Chronic” or “atraumatic” tears typically develop gradually due to repetitive use, wear and tear, or decreased blood flow to the tendons.

Common causes include:

Bone Spurs: As we age, small bone overgrowths can form on the acromion bone. These spurs can rub against the rotator cuff tendons, leading to tears.
Repetitive Motion: Overhead activities in sports (like baseball, tennis, or swimming) or jobs involving heavy lifting can stress the tendons.
Decreased Blood Supply: Aging reduces blood flow to the tendons, slowing the body’s natural repair process.

ACUTE ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

Unlike chronic tears, acute rotator cuff injuries happen suddenly — often during a fall, while lifting something heavy, or from a quick, jerking motion. These injuries can occur alone or alongside other shoulder trauma, such as a dislocation or collarbone fracture.

A minor acute tear may heal within six to eight weeks, but severe tears may require medical treatment or even surgery to restore proper function.

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

If you have any questions about ROTATOR CUFF TEAR, Please feel free to leave a comment.

Do share this blog with your friends and family!

WHAT ARE SHOULDER FRACTURES?

Our shoulders are one of the most flexible and important joints in the body, enabling a wide range of movements. However, because of their mobility and structure, they are also vulnerable to injuries, especially fractures. A shoulder fracture occurs when there’s a break in one of the bones that make up the shoulder joint.

◼️Acromioclavicular Joint (AC Joint):
Located at the top of the shoulder, formed by the acromion (part of the scapula) and the clavicle.
◼️Glenohumeral Joint:
A ball-and-socket joint formed by the humeral head (“the ball”) and the glenoid (part of the scapula).

When any of these bones break, the result is a shoulder fracture, which can vary in severity and location.

TYPES OF SHOULDER FRACTURES?

Now you know that three bones form the shoulder joint; hence, the location of the break defines the type of shoulder fracture. Here are the three types you should know:

◼️Clavicle Fracture
A break in the collarbone, usually caused by trauma such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries.
◼️Proximal Humerus Fracture
This occurs in the upper part of the arm bone, near the shoulder joint. It often results from direct trauma, falls, or collisions. The humeral head, known as “the ball” of the joint, is typically involved.
◼️Scapula Fracture
The scapula (shoulder blade) is a strong bone, so breaking it usually requires significant trauma, such as high-impact sports injuries or automobile accidents.

SYMPTOMS OF SHOULDER FRACTURES?

Fractures are painful injuries, and shoulder fractures are no exception. Common signs and symptoms include:

◼️Severe shoulder pain
◼️Difficulty or inability to move the affected arm
◼️Swelling and bruising around the shoulder
◼️Tenderness to touch
◼️A visible bump at the fracture site (common in clavicle fractures)
◼️Discoloration around the upper arm

WHAT CAUSES SHOULDER FRACTURES?

◼️Automobile accidents: High-energy collisions are a leading cause.
◼️Sports injuries: Contact sports like football and hockey increase the risk.
◼️Falls: The direction of the fall often determines which part of the shoulder is injured.
◼️Direct trauma: A heavy blow or strike to the shoulder can also cause fractures.