Rotator Cuff Injury

Overview

The rotator cuff consists of shoulder muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm bone (humerus) to the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff holds the ball of the humerus firmly in the shoulder socket. Rotator cuff injuries (usually tendinitis or tearing) are fairly common. They can occur as a result of a fall, weight training (especially with incorrect technique), and repetitive overhead arm activities such as throwing and swimming. Poor shoulder posture also contributes to the problem.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors treat thousands of people with rotator cuff injuries each year and have extensive experience performing both routine and complex shoulder surgery procedures.
• Innovative methods. Mayo Clinic offers some treatment options available at only a few medical centers in the country, such as the reverse ball-and-socket shoulder replacement for people with otherwise untreatable rotator cuff injuries. Mayo Clinic offers advanced 3-D CT imaging to more accurately diagnose your condition.
• New advances. Rotator cuff specialists collaborate with scientists in the Mayo Clinic Biomechanics and Motion Analysis Laboratories to develop new treatment techniques to improve rotator cuff healing and outcomes.
• Minimally invasive approach. Mayo Clinic doctors use minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopy for many rotator cuff surgeries, with smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
• Coordinated care. A team of experts from orthopedic surgery, physical medicine, sports medicine and other areas works together to diagnose your problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Consultations with doctors, testing and treatment can usually be done in a single visit, lasting several days.

Read more about rotator cuff injury at MayoClinic.com.