Dr. Paul Abeyta provides consultations and the latest in treatment options for Rotator Cuff Injuries, a painful condition of the shoulder caused by sports activities, work-related activities and sometimes overuse.
When one or more of the rotator cuff tendons is torn, the tendon no longer fully attaches to the head of the humerus. Most tears occur in the supraspinatus muscle and tendon, but other parts of the rotator cuff may also be involved. In many cases, torn tendons begin by fraying. As the damage progresses, the tendon can completely tear, sometimes with lifting a heavy object.
There are different types of tears.
Partial Tear
This type of tear damages the soft tissue, but does not completely sever it.
Full-Thickness Tear
This type of tear is also called a complete tear. It splits the soft tissue into two pieces.
In many cases, tendons tear off where they attach to the head of the humerus. With a full-thickness tear, there is basically a hole in the tendon.
