The rotator cuff muscles surround and stabilize the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears result when the tendons of these muscles are torn from the upper arm bone. This can occur with sudden injuries or develop slowly from wear and tear over time, leading to pain and decreased shoulder motion.
The four rotator cuff muscles are attached to the upper arm bone by their tendons. Injury to the arm or gradual wear and tear can damage these tendons and cause them to tear away from the bone. When this happens, it is difficult and painful for the rotator cuff muscles to move and stabilize the arm, which can impact many daily activities.
Depending on several factors, the severity of a rotator cuff tear will determine the best treatment option. Physical therapy and pain-relieving methods are often tried first. Ongoing injuries that continue to cause a lot of pain may need surgery to repair the rotator cuff tear.
Rotator cuff repair is a surgery that reattaches the torn rotator cuff tendon back to the upper arm bone. This can help improve the ability of the rotator cuff muscles to function properly. If a rotator cuff tear cannot be repaired, other procedures are available to improve the stability of the shoulder.
Rotator cuff repair is performed using shoulder arthroscopy. This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions, a camera, and small instruments to reattach the torn rotator cuff tendon to the upper arm bone.
Rotator cuff augmentation is an additional step sometimes performed during rotator cuff repair. Rotator cuff augmentation involves using extra bone, tendon, or skin tissue to reinforce the repair and support healing.
When a rotator cuff tear is too large to be repaired, biologic skin grafts can be placed over the top of the upper arm bone to provide cushioning and support in the absence of an intact rotator cuff.
