Guide To The Causes And Complications Of A Rotator Cuff Tear

Trauma To The Rotator Cuff

Trauma to the rotator cuff can cause it to tear. The shoulder capsule includes three major bones and four muscles, all of which are connected by tendons. Shoulder injuries are considered traumatic when the muscles or tendons comprising the capsule become torn. Trauma-induced tears can be either partial or complete. In the case of complete tears, the tendon has a hole in it. Traumatic rotator cuff tears are usually related to rotational and accelerating-decelerating forces against the shoulder. Examples would be using an arm to break a fall or holding onto a car wheel tightly while bracing for an impact. The sudden slamming and wrenching of the shoulder are what lead to the tear. Traumatic rotator cuff injuries often go hand-in-hand with shoulder impingement.