Infraspinatus
Rotator Cuff
There are four rotator cuff tendons which are located in the shoulder joint. The function of these tendons are to keep the shoulder joint in place and also assist in the movement of the shoulder joint - lifting the arm, rotating the arm.
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Injury of the rotator cuff tendons may result in painful movement of the shoulder .
How do the Rotator Cuffs get injured?
Inflamed bursae ( lubricating sac ) which is located above the rotator cuff tendons and below the bone ( acromion ) will lead to an impingement towards the rotator cuff tendon during movement of the shoulder joint. This will lead to painful and discomfort movement of the shoulder.
Impingement
Overused Tendinitis
Over usage of the rotator cuff tendon may lead to swelling and inflammation of the tendon itself. This condition usually occurs in activities which requires repetitive over head activities such as painters, electrician or sports related activities ( badminton, volleyball )
TEARS
Acute
Acute tears of the rotator cuff tendons happens in a traumatic situation such as direct trauma to the shoulder joint, fall or involvement in a motor vehicle accident. Sometimes it can also be associated with other injuries such as bone fracture ( collarbone/ humerus ), acromioclavicular joint disruption or shoulder dislocation.
Degenerative
This is a wearing condition of the rotator cuff tendons over time leading to tears. It is commonly seen in such condition :
1. repetitive usage of the tendons, commonly from the dominant arm leading to repetitive stress that will eventually put the tendon at risk of overuse tears.
2. aging factors which is a result of poor blood supply and poor quality of rotator cuff tendons.
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RISK FACTORS :
1. Over head activity :
a. sports - badminton, tennis, volleyball, cricket, baseball
b. occupation - technician, plumbers, construction workers, painters
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2. Age > 40 years old
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3. History of shoulder trauma with non resolving shoulder pain without any bony pathology
