Rotator Cuff Tear

Overview

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that affects the group of muscles and tendons responsible for stabilising and moving the shoulder joint. Tears can result from trauma, overuse, or degeneration, leading to pain, weakness and restricted movement. At the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, our orthopaedic experts offer precise diagnosis and advanced treatment for rotator cuff injuries to help restore your shoulder function.

What is Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the upper bone (humerus) firmly within the shoulder socket. A tear can occur in one or more of these tendons, either partially or completely.

Cause of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears can happen suddenly or develop gradually:

• Traumatic injury, such as a fall or lifting a heavy object
• Repetitive overhead movements, common in sports or certain jobs
• Degenerative changes, often due to ageing or tendon wear and tear
• Poor posture or shoulder impingement, increasing stress on tendons

Risk factors include being over 40, participation in overhead sports ( basketball players, goal keepers, volleyball players etc) or a family history of shoulder problems.

Common Symptoms

• Shoulder pain, especially when lifting, reaching, or lying on the affected side
• Weakness in the shoulder or arm
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty performing overhead tasks
• Clicking or popping sounds with shoulder movement
• Night pain disrupting sleep

Diagnosis

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, diagnosis involves:

• Physical examination, assessing strength, flexibility, and shoulder stability
• Ultrasound scan, to visualise soft tissues and tendon tears
• MRI scan (at our sister hospital at the New Foscote), providing detailed images of the rotator cuff and surrounding structures
• X-rays, to rule out bone damage or arthritis

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the tear and your individual needs:

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Rest and activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injections for pain relief
• Physiotherapy to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve movement

Surgical Treatments:

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, using minimally invasive techniques
• Open surgical repair, in complex or large tears
• Shoulder replacement surgery, for irreparable tears with significant joint damage

Our consultants offer tailored care to support recovery and return to daily activities.

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Our on-site physiotherapy team provides structured rehabilitation programmes to:

• Restore shoulder strength and flexibility
• Prevent stiffness and promote healing
• Guide your return to work, sport, or hobbies

If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain or weakness, contact Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for expert assessment and treatment of rotator cuff injuries. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers consultations, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly any costs will always be discussed.

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