The shoulder allows a person to lift, rotate her arm, swing her arm front to back and side to side. When a injury occurs to the shoulder, it can hinder these movements and affect a person's daily life. When an injury is sustained to the shoulder, it is important to seek medical treatment to prevent further damage.
Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder is made up of three bones--clavicle, scapula and the humerus--along with muscles, tendons and ligaments. According to the Southern California Orthopedic Institute, four muscles that begin at the scapula and wrap around the muscles called the rotator cuff allow a person to rotate his shoulder. The rotator cuff also stabilizes the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Injury
A rotator cuff tear is a tear in the surrounding muscles of the shoulder. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a rotator cuff injury is a common injury and cause of disability among Americans. Most rotator cuff injuries occur over time in people over the age of 40; however, younger people can tear their rotator cuffs through sports and repetitive use of overhead activities. People who participate in baseball, tennis, weight lifting and rowing are at risk for this injury, reports the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include an aching at the top of the shoulder or on the outside of the arm, pain when lifting the arm and weakness in the arm during lifting or rotating the arm. According to the Southern California Orthopedic Institute, when the rotator cuff is torn completely, people may have pain at night that disrupts their sleep, and won't be able to lift forward or to the side.
Treatment
Treatment can include nonsurgical and surgical treatment. In most cases of a partial tear, nonsurgical treatments will be attempted before surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, these approaches include taking anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, supporting the shoulder by putting the arm in a sling and going to physical therapy. Surgery may be performed to repair the torn rotator cuff either by arthroscopic, a mini-open repair or an open surgical repair. The type of surgery will depend on the severity and cause of the injury.
Post-operative Surgery Recovery
The surgery will be performed as outpatient surgery and the patient will go home after the surgery, reports the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. After surgery, the shoulder will be immobilized to allow for healing. The severity of the injury will determine how long the shoulder will be immobilized. Physical therapy will also be prescribed to strengthen the shoulder and help to reduce post-operative pain. The doctor will determine when it is safe to return to activities and sports.
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