Torn
Rotator Cuff

Chicago Rotator Cuff Injuries

In 1788, Alexander Munro published a description of a torn rotator cuff, which read “a hole with ragged edges in the capsular ligament of the humerus.” In simpler terms, the rotator cuff is comprised of four tendons and muscles, surrounding the head of the humerus in the shoulder. These four tendons act as a “cuff,” which keeps the arm in the proper position, allowing the shoulder to move in a normal manner. Although the shoulder is generally considered one of the more mobile joints in the body, it requires cooperation from the rotator cuff to remain mobile.

A torn rotator can occur suddenly, as the result of an accident, or over a period of time, due to repetitive motions. A person who experiences a torn rotator cuff from an accident may feel a sudden “pop” in the shoulder area, which causes intense pain and a sudden weakness in the affected arm. Following a torn rotator cuff injury, the following symptoms may be experienced:

• The inability to lift the shoulder above armpit level,
• Moderate to severe pain in the arm and shoulder,
• General weakness in the shoulder area,
• A crackling or snapping sound when the shoulder is moved,
• Problems sleeping on the side of the torn rotator cuff, and
• Tenderness in the area of the torn tendon.

Which Illinois Workers are Most Vulnerable to Torn Rotator Cuffs?

Most of us associate a torn rotator cuff with sports injuries, particularly those experienced by baseball players. In reality, many workers are vulnerable to experiencing a torn rotator cuff, and, in fact, researchers believe that up to 40 percent of all adults may have a minor rotator cuff tear without being aware of it.

The “typical” patient with a rotator cuff tear is middle-aged, and may have had mild shoulder pain for months, or even years. A large or heavy object is lifted, or an injury occurs, and the shoulder tendon tears, leading to a rotator cuff tear. Obviously, overusing the shoulder or injury to the shoulder can occur at any age, leading to a torn rotator cuff. Workers with the highest likelihood of developing a torn rotator cuff from overuse or repetitive motions include:

• Factory workers
• Painters
• Truck drivers
• Railroad workers
• Machine operators
• Office workers
• Construction workers
• Window washers

In some cases, a fall directly onto the shoulder can result in a torn rotator cuff, as can other types of accidents, including auto accidents.