Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator Cuff Tear Q&A

What is a rotator cuff tear?

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that hold the ball of the shoulder joint in its socket and allow the arm to rotate and lift. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons is partially or completely torn. Common symptoms include shoulder pain (especially at night or when lifting the arm), weakness, and a reduced range of motion.

What causes a rotator cuff tear?

Rotator cuff tears typically happen in one of two ways:

• Gradual wear (degenerative tear): repetitive overhead motion, aging tendon tissue, or ongoing shoulder impingement wear the tendon down over time.
• Acute injury (traumatic tear): a sudden fall, a heavy lift, or a sports injury tears the tendon immediately.

How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?

Dr. Rawal diagnoses rotator cuff tears through a physical exam that tests shoulder strength and range of motion, combined with imaging such as X-ray or MRI to confirm the tear's size and location.

How is a rotator cuff tear treated?

Treatment depends on the size of the tear, the patient's activity level, and how long symptoms have been present.

• Non-surgical care: rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, injections, and physical therapy. This approach is often effective for smaller or partial tears.
• Surgical repair: for larger or full-thickness tears, or when conservative treatment doesn't relieve symptoms, Dr. Rawal performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair — a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure.

What does arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involve?

Dr. Rawal makes a few small incisions around the shoulder and uses an arthroscope — a thin instrument with a camera — to view the joint and reattach the torn tendon to the bone using anchor sutures. Because the incisions are small, patients typically experience less pain, a lower risk of complications, and a faster recovery than with open surgery.

When should I consider surgery for a rotator cuff tear?

Dr. Rawal generally recommends surgery when a tear is large or full-thickness, when non-surgical treatment hasn't relieved pain or restored function after several weeks, or when the tear significantly limits daily activity. He'll review your imaging and symptoms with you to determine whether repair is the right option.

What is recovery like after rotator cuff surgery?

Recovery varies by tear size and repair type, but generally includes a period of arm immobilization followed by a structured physical therapy program to gradually restore motion and strength. Dr. Rawal's team will provide a personalized rehab protocol and follow-up schedule after surgery.

Where is the surgery performed?

Dr. Rawal performs rotator cuff repair at Stoughton Hospital. Consultations are available at the OrthoTeam Clinic offices in Madison and Stoughton.

What are my options if my torn rotator cuff is not repairable?

Dr. Rawal may recommend a reverse shoulder replacement (reverse total shoulder arthroplasty) or other surgical and non-surgical options when the rotator cuff is too severely damaged to be repaired, causing ongoing shoulder pain, weakness, and loss of function. These specialized procedures can help restore arm movement and relieve pain by allowing the deltoid muscle and other surrounding muscles to compensate for the damaged rotator cuff.

Don't ignore shoulder pain. To find out whether you've torn your rotator cuff and get a personalized treatment plan, contact OrthoTeam Clinic Shoulder Center or request an appointment online today.

Schedule a Consultation Find out whether rotator cuff repair is right for you.

OrthoTeam Clinic — Madison, WI 608-231-3410

OrthoTeam Clinic — Stoughton, WI 608-877-3419