By James Davidson, MD & Katie Fultz, PA-C
Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Rotator cuff injuries are a common adult shoulder condition that causes pain, weakness, and shoulder dysfunction. They are the leading cause of adult shoulder disability. Deciding what treatment pathway is right for you requires a discussion and MRI review with an orthopedic surgeon. 

Rotator cuff tears are evaluated by the depth of the tear, the width of the tear, the tear configuration/pattern, if there is retraction away from the attachment site, and if there is impingement on top of that area from bone spurring. When the tear is less than 50% of the tendon's depth, also known as a partial-thickness tear, nonsurgical treatment may be considered. Tears at a shallow depth can accommodate activity while healing. Conservative treatment would include oral and topical medications, ice, activity modification/rest, and physical therapy with a home exercise program. Partial rotator cuff tears with impingement or who have failed conservative treatment could consider surgical intervention for debridement of the torn portion of the tendon, removal of bursitis, and decompression of the bone spurs.