Re: What causes a torn rotatator cuff in your sholder?

Hi Jimmy,

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket type of joint, and although very 
mobile, needs a lot of reinforcement to keep the whole thing together.
The rotator cuff is such a reinforcing structure around the joint,
consisting of four muscle tendons that merge with the fibrous capsule
enclosing the joint.
The rotator cuff may be torn as a result of a fall. A partial tear may
cause "painful arc syndrome" (pain when the arm is lifted in a certain
arc away from the body). This usually responds to treatment with anti-
inflammatory medication and appropriate physiotherapy. A complete tear,
however, seriously limits the ability to raise the arm and, in cases of
severe disability, may require surgical repair.

Best wishes

Doc C-P
(Adrian Canale-Parola  MB BChir DRCOG)