Rotator Cuff Tendonitis and Impingement

The rotator cuff is made up of four tendons (subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor) that work together to hold the humeral head (the ball part of the joint) in the shoulder socket and allow smooth rotational motion. When the rotator cuff is injured, weakness and pain can occur.

Rotator cuff injuries are very common. Rotator cuff disease encompasses a spectrum of disorders including rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement, subacromial bursitis, and rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff disease is correlated with age. Up to half of people over the age of 70 have a rotator cuff tear, whereas rotator cuff tears in people under age 40 are very rare and are usually due to repetitive injury (as in overhead athletes) or result from acute trauma. Over time, especially with a large rotator cuff tear that is not repaired, a certain type of arthritis can occur (cuff arthropathy ).

The pain from rotator cuff tears can sometimes be treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Once torn, the rotator cuff does not heal on its own. When pain persists despite medical treatment, and in younger patients with rotator cuff tears, a rotator cuff repair can be performed. The goal of rotator cuff repair is to decrease pain and improve function. Rotator cuff tears can now be treated arthroscopically, which allows for a quicker recovery and less postoperative pain.