Rotator Cuff Tear Specialist

Coastal Shoulder Surgery & Sports Medicine

Robert Lewis, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon located in Tampa Bay, Largo, FL

Whether it happens suddenly due to injury or slowly over time, a torn rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain that keeps you from work and the activities you love. At Coastal Shoulder Surgery & Sports Medicine, located in Tampa Bay, Largo, FL., orthopaedic surgeon Robert Lewis, MD, applies the most advanced arthroscopic techniques to diagnose and treat rotator cuff injuries. If you have shoulder pain you suspect may be from a rotator cuff tear, call or click online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lewis today.

727-475-1166

Rotator Cuff Tear

What is a rotator cuff tear?

The rotator cuff comprises four muscles and tendons that work together to move your arms and keep your shoulder joint in place. A rotator cuff tear is a common injury in which the tendon that protects the top of your shoulder gets damaged.

There are two main types of rotator cuff tears:

Partial tear

Also called an incomplete tear, this happens when the tendon becomes damaged or frayed but isn’t completely severed.

Complete tear

A complete, or full-thickness, tear separates the tendon from the bone. This type of tear basically causes a hole in your tendon.

What causes rotator cuff injuries?

The two main causes of rotator cuff tears are injury and overuse.

Acute tear

This type of tear happens suddenly as the result of an injury. If you fall down on your arm or lift something too heavy, you might end up with an acute rotator cuff tear.

Degenerative tear

Most rotator cuff tears are degenerative, meaning they happen gradually over time. A number of factors contribute to these types of tears, including:

Repetitive motions from work, lifting weights or playing sports
Decreased blood supply from aging
Bone spurs

What does it feel like to have a torn rotator cuff?

It’s possible to have a torn rotator cuff without even knowing it, especially in cases of degenerative tears. However, you might have a rotator cuff injury if you experience the following common symptoms:

Trouble raising your arm
Weakness in your shoulder
Pain when moving your arm certain ways
Discomfort while trying to sleep on your arm
Crackling sensation when moving your shoulder

How does an orthopaedic surgeon treat a rotator cuff injury?

First, Dr. Lewis evaluates your symptoms and medical history. Then, he examines your shoulder for any tenderness or signs of injury. He may ask you to move your arm in different directions to assess your range of motion.

If he determines you have a rotator cuff tear, Dr. Lewis discusses the best treatment options based on your condition. Some rotator cuff tears heal with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines.

If your tear is serious, Dr. Lewis may recommend surgery. He provides the following procedures to treat torn rotator cuffs: