Rotator Cuff Specialist

What is a rotator cuff?

Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that connect your upper arm bone (humerus) to your shoulder blade (scapula). It allows the shoulder’s wide range of movement and stabilizes the joint.

Rotator cuff damage often begins with the fraying of one of the tendons that slowly gets worse. It can eventually tear completely, causing it to become detached from the head of the upper arm bone.

What causes rotator cuff injuries?

An injury to your rotator cuff can range from mild to severe. Causes of rotator cuff damage include:

Acute injuries

Acute injuries happen when you strain or tear your rotator cuff in an accident, like lifting a heavy object too quickly or falling down on your outstretched arm. Other situations include being in an automobile or motorcycle accident. Acute tears can also happen with other injuries, like a dislocated shoulder or a collarbone break.

Degenerative tears

Degenerative tears are more common. They occur when your tendons gradually wear down, which naturally happens as you age. The degeneration can also be caused by repetitive arm movements used during work activities or sports like swimming, weightlifting, and tennis.

What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

Your symptoms can vary, depending on what kind of tear you have. Acute (sudden) tears usually cause intense pain right away. They can include a snapping sensation or immediate weakness in your arm.

Gradual tears cause pain and weakness too, but they develop slowly. As your symptoms get worse, your ability to do everyday things like putting plates in a cabinet can become more difficult, even impossible.

How is a rotator cuff injury treated?

At Pinnacle Orthopaedics, Dr. Peterson uses arthroscopy to repair your rotator cuff. You have the option of receiving the Smith+Nephew’s Regeneten™ Bioinductive Implant, which promotes the growth of new tendon-like tissue.

Studies have found that this method of repair offers significant improvement in shoulder function. The procedure also results in far less pain, allowing you to get back to your regular routine.

This simplified surgery is less invasive and has a lower risk of complications when compared with traditional surgery.

If you have a rotator cuff injury, don’t delay your treatment. Call the Pinnacle Orthopaedics office nearest you or book your appointment online today.