Rotator Cuff Tear

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear is an injury to the group of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is made up of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor muscles and their tendinous attachment to the humerus (the upper arm bone). These muscles function to stabilize the shoulder and help control shoulder motion. Rotator cuff tears usually occur at the attachment point, where the tendon attaches the muscle to the bone.

What are the Signs of a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear often results in a painful shoulder and upper arm area, particularly when trying to lift the shoulder overhead.  A larger tear can result in weakness or the inability to lift the arm overhead. The pain often is located in the shoulder and radiates down the arm partway toward the elbow.  Trouble sleeping at night on the affected shoulder is also common.

What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear can be caused by an injury, such as a shoulder dislocation, or from gradual wear and tear. Non-traumatic "wear and tear" is the most common type of rotator cuff tears in older adults. Traumatic tears, such as those which occur after a hard fall or sports injury, are more common in younger adults. Repetitive overhead use of the arm over a long period of time is thought to be a common mechanism for developing a rotator cuff tear.

What Are the Treatment Options for a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The treatment depends on the severity of the tear.  An MRI is often ordered to evaluate the problem and help determine the severity of the tear.  Most small tears or partial tears of the rotator cuff can successfully be treated without surgery. Often a regimen of rest, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), therapy exercises, and/or corticosteroid injection can treat a small tear or partial rotator cuff tear. In patients who do not improve with non-surgical treatment, surgery may be recommended for these types of rotator cuff tears.  

A large tear in the rotator cuff, where the tendon is fully pulled away from the bone, usually needs surgical repair. The rotator cuff repair surgery is typically performed arthroscopically with small incisions in a minimally invasive approach by the physicians at the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center. This is an outpatient procedure performed with anesthesia and long-acting numbing medication. An open surgical approach is another option for treating rotator cuff tears, but is less commonly needed with the current use of arthroscopy. After surgery, the arm is protected in a sling for several weeks. Therapy is often needed for several months to rehabilitate the arm and shoulder.

Recover Stronger from a Rotator Cuff Tear with Our Raleigh Orthopedic Surgeons

A rotator cuff tear can be a painful and limiting injury. Our specialized team at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center is here to guide you through the recovery process, ensuring an effective return to shoulder strength and function. Call our office for an appointment or book a visit online today!

Updated 6/22/2025