Partial Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery in Illinois

What is a Partially Torn Rotator Cuff?

The shoulder joint is supported by a group of four tendons and muscles that provide joint stability and facilitate a wide range of motion in the shoulder. These muscles and tendons are connected to the bones of the shoulder. A partially torn rotator cuff indicates that the tear goes partway into the tendon compared to a full rotator cuff tear, which extends entirely through the tendon, leaving no attachment between the tendon and bone. 

What Causes a Partially Torn Rotator Cuff?

Rotator cuff tears are common causes of pain in the shoulder joint and can be caused by:

• Overuse and repetitive motion injuries from work-related tasks or sports that require overhead movements, like swimming or basketball.
• The breakdown of tendons and muscles due to age. 
• A traumatic injury such as a sudden fall. 
• Impingement syndrome is caused when rotator cuff tendons rub against the acromion bone of the shoulder, causing small tears that can worsen over time.

At Suburban Orthopaedic we aim to help you treat the underlying causes of your rotator cuff tears with a comprehensive treatment plan that fits your needs. 

How Do I Know if I Have a Partially Torn Rotator Cuff?

You may experience the following symptoms if you have a partially torn rotator cuff such as:

• Shoulder pain, especially from the outside of the shoulder radiating to the elbow 
• Weakness in the arm, especially with overhead activities
• Decreased range of motion and difficulty raising your arm
• Pain that wakes you up at night, especially if you’re lying on the affected side
• Clicking, popping, or grinding when moving the shoulder to complete easy, daily tasks.

Partially Torn Rotator Cuff Treatment:

Before recommending a course of treatment, your orthopedic provider will look for an underlying cause for your shoulder pain, especially if your pain started after a traumatic shoulder injury. They’ll talk to you to get a comprehensive medical history, examine the affected shoulder, and test its range of mobility while observing for clinical signs of a torn rotator cuff. Some providers may order imaging such as X-rays or an MRI to visualize the rotator cuff and identify tears. 

Your provider’s treatment recommendations depend on the tear’s severity, age, activity level, and overall health. Some treatment options include:

• Rest and avoid activities that worsen the pain so the shoulder can heal. 
• Physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve the range of motion.
• If conservative treatments don’t relieve shoulder pain, your orthopedic provider may recommend surgery to repair the torn tendons. 

The friendly, expert team at Suburban Orthopaedics is here to help you understand the different treatment options. For more information, give us a call or schedule an appointment with one of our Hand and Wrist specialists. We serve patients in Bartlett, IL; Elgin, IL; Schaumburg, IL, and Chicago, IL.