This problem, which is defined as a shoulder tear among the people, is actually the injury and tear of the rotator cuff muscles that cover the shoulder joint bones. Rotator cuff muscles in shoulder anatomy; It allows the shoulder to have a much wider range of motion than other joints. However, the rupture of this muscle tissue with various factors prevents it from moving in a balanced way.

Shoulder Tear

What Causes Shoulder Tear?

The factors that cause shoulder tear can be listed as follows;

advanced age

Traumatic events (fall, impact, heavy lifting, strain)

Weakening of the structures that make up the shoulder joint

Slowing and insufficient blood flow in the shoulder joint

bone compression

pulling up heavy thing

Posture disorders

In addition to the above factors, the shoulder tear problem is also frequently seen in people who use the shoulder joint constantly. People with the most common shoulder tear problem; Those who do sports such as volleyball, basketball and tennis are those who frequently use their arms overhead. At the same time, as a result of the researches, it was found that the problem of shoulder tear is more common in women.

What Are the Symptoms of a Shoulder Tear?

The complaints caused by the shoulder tear problem reduce the patient's quality of daily life. The main findings are as follows;

chronic pain

pain at rest

Itching and burning sensation

Difficulty performing daily activities

weakness in muscles

limitation of movement

Desire to keep the shoulder still

As long as qualified treatment is not applied in the shoulder tear problem, the complaints will increase and intensify. For this reason, experienced orthopedic specialists should be consulted.


How Is It Diagnosed?

First of all, a detailed physical examination is performed in patients who apply to the doctor with the complaint of shoulder pain and weakness in the arm. In addition, the patient's health history, age and occupation are also taken into consideration.

In the shoulder tear problem, as in many orthopedic diseases, some radiological imaging systems are used. These systems are;

magnetic resonance, ultrasound, x-ray and tomography.

After radiological examinations that provide a qualified visualization of the shoulder joint, a definitive diagnosis of the shoulder tear problem can be made.

During this examination, the location of the tear exposed in the shoulder joint and the extent of the tear are also obtained.

After the diagnosis process, the most appropriate treatment method is preferred for the patient and the problem he/she experiences.