What Is Rotator Cuff Rupture?

Rupture of the rotator cuff causes pain and limits movement of the shoulder. Let’s see what it consists of and find out the causes of this injury.

Rupture of the rotator cuff is a condition that very often affects the shoulder in middle-aged people. It is one of the main causes of shoulder pain today.

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons attached to the bones of the shoulder. They are responsible for maintaining the stability of this joint and for it to be able to perform all movements correctly.

Unfortunately, the shoulder is a part of the body that tends to suffer and cause a lot of discomfort. In fact, an injury in this area is very debilitating and painful. That’s why this article explains everything you need to know about rotator cuff rupture.

What is rotator cuff rupture?

The ruptured rotator cuff is a condition that affects about 4 in 100,000 people per year. It is important to note that its incidence increases with age ; in fact, most people who have it are between 50 and 60 years old.

This is because injuries to this joint are more related to the passage of time and deterioration. Unlike other joint conditions, strokes rarely cause this problem.

Most cases of rotator cuff rupture occur in people who continuously perform shoulder movements in their work or profession. For example, it tends to appear in athletes, carpenters or painters.

What is the rotator cuff?

As we have already mentioned, the rotator cuff is a collection of muscles and tendons. They all surround the joint and hold the arm bone (humerus) in place.

They also allow for proper arm movements, such as rotating and raising the arms. These muscles are small, but they make movements precise and coordinated. The muscles are:

• Supraspinous
• Subscapular
• Infraspinatus
• Large round

Of all of them, the one that tends to injure itself the most is the supraspinous tendon. This is responsible for the lateral elevation of the arm, so when injured, this movement becomes painful and difficult.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Rupture?

Normally, rotator cuff rupture is caused by wear and tear on the tendon from repeated use. For example, when you lift heavy objects or when you keep your arm in the air for a long time.

However, it can also occur as a result of a sudden injury. It is less common, but sometimes a fall or sudden movement can be the cause. However, the most common risk factors for rotator cuff rupture are:

• Age: As we mentioned before, this injury mainly affects people between the ages of 50 and 60
• Certain jobs, such as carpentry or construction:  the reason is that these are occupations in which repetitive movements are constantly performed
• Sports like tennis or baseball
• Family or personal history

What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff rupture?

Symptoms appear depending on the severity of the injury. However, the predominant symptom is shoulder pain. Likewise, all movements of this joint are limited.

Some people often have difficulty sleeping. In fact, it is almost impossible for them to sleep on that side. In addition, all hygiene tasks such as combing, dressing or washing are becoming more and more complicated.

If the ruptured rotator cuff is not treated in time, it can lead to serious complications. If you cannot move your arm properly, it may weaken and not be able to move. It also makes the processing a bit complicated. Too much immobilization of this joint can lead to chronic damage to the shoulder.

How is rupture diagnosed?

First, to diagnose a ruptured rotator cuff, the doctor will perform a physical exam. During this exam, the doctor will look at the ability to move, strength, and pain in the joint.

Additional examinations such as ultrasound or MRI are often used. Ultrasound is used to assess tendons and muscles during movement. It is also an affordable and non-invasive test.

In conclusion

A ruptured rotator cuff is a common condition that affects middle-aged people. It is a very debilitating injury, so it is important that if you are suffering from any of the symptoms, to see a doctor as soon as possible.