What Are The Causes And Complications Of A Rotator Cuff Tear?

Trauma To The Rotator Cuff

A rotator cuff tear can be caused by trauma to the rotator cuff. The shoulder capsule includes three major bones and four muscles, all of which are connected by tendons. Shoulder injuries are considered traumatic when the muscles or tendons comprising the capsule become torn. Trauma-induced tears can be either partial or complete. In the case of complete tears, the tendon has a hole in it. Traumatic rotator cuff tears are usually related to rotational and accelerating-decelerating forces against the shoulder. Examples would be using an arm to break a fall, or holding onto a car wheel tightly while bracing for an impact. The sudden slamming and wrenching of the shoulder is what leads to the tear. Traumatic rotator cuff injuries often go hand-in-hand with shoulder impingement.

Continue reading to reveal complications linked to rotator cuff tears now.