Torn Rotator Cuff

Picture of a torn rotator cuff

The rotator cuff is the group of tendons and related muscles that help keep the upper arm bone seated in the socket of the shoulder blade. A torn rotator cuff tendon can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

A rotator cuff tear may be:

Partial, in which only part of the fibers of the tendon are torn.
Complete or full thickness, in which the tendon is torn all the way through.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Timothy Bhattacharyya, MD
Last Revised	November 30, 2011

By:

Healthwise Staff

Last Revised: November 30, 2011

Medical Review:

William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Timothy Bhattacharyya, MD

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