Rotator Cuff Injury

Diagnosis

Patients who come to Mayo Clinic may or may not have already been diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury. Such injuries have many causes.

Mayo Clinic's diagnosis involves first, identifying the cause of pain in the shoulder, and, second, determining the degree to which the tendons and muscles are affected.

In identifying rotator cuff injury, the medical team looks for these signs and symptoms while examining the patient:

• Pain and tenderness in the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead or sleeping on the affected side
• Shoulder weakness
• Loss of shoulder movement or pain with certain motions
• Desire by the patient to keep the shoulder inactive
• In some cases, continuous pain and muscle weakness

The medical tests that may be needed to diagnose a rotator cuff injury include:

• X-ray
  An X-ray may show a bone spur or injury to the shoulder joint's ball and socket.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  To determine whether the rotator cuff is inflamed or has a partial or full tear, an MRI may be needed. An MRI uses magnets and computers to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the shoulder area.

• Ultrasound
  Ultrasound involves the use of a transducer (wand) placed on the skin to transmit internal, moving video images inside the shoulder. Mayo Clinic uses high-resolution ultrasound equipment to produce detailed internal images, and ultrasound can assess shoulder muscle tendon integrity.