Rotator Cuff Injury

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons. It holds the top of the upper arm into the shoulder joint (socket). A rotator cuff injury is when one or more of these muscles are torn. The rotator cuff may be torn a little or the whole cuff may be torn. Healing time depends on how bad the tear or injury is to the cuff. Most torn rotator cuffs occur in the arm that is used most.

Causes: This injury may be caused by an injury, fall, or accident. It may happen when you fall and try to break your fall with your hand out. Throwing, heavy lifting, or falling on your shoulder may can cause this injury. Rotator cuff injuries are common in baseball, tennis, football, and skiing.

Signs and Symptoms: Shoulder pain may be a sign of a torn rotator cuff. You may not be able to move your arm well, especially away from your body. Your shoulder may feel weak, numb, or tingly.

Care: An x-ray made be taken of the injured shoulder. You may need to wear a sling to keep the shoulder from moving. The sling may also help the shoulder heal. Putting ice on the shoulder may help the pain and swelling. You may take acetaminophen (uh-c-tuh-min-o-fin) or ibuprofen (i-bew-pro-fin) for pain. Do not take ibuprofen if you are allergic to aspirin. Surgery may be needed to fix the torn rotator cuff.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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