Rotator Cuff (Surgery and Treatment)

The rotator cuff is a set of tendons and ligaments that support the movement of our arms at the shoulder joint. Often referred to as SITS muscle with reference to the first letter of their names (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis), its primary job is to keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket. It is also responsible for shoulder movement and shoulder joint stability.

The rotator cuff tendons cover the head of the humerus (upper arm bone), helping you to raise and rotate your arm.

Susceptible to injury, tendinitis, bursitis, and tears are common problems with the rotator cuff leading to pain and inflexibility in movement. Usually, a rotator cuff injury occurs in people who repeatedly perform overhead hand motions. It is commonly associated with occupations such as that of a painter, carpenter, weightlifters, cheerleaders, and sportsmen especially those who play cricket, baseball or tennis. Age is also a contributing factor to a rotator cuff injury.

While physical therapy provides relief in many cases, surgical intervention may be required if there are extensive rotator cuff tears.