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Types of Rotator cuff injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are a range of different conditions that affect the muscles and tendons that are responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint. These injuries vary in their severity and appearance and have an impact on movement, overall strength and day-to-day activities.
A proper understanding of the types of rotator cuff injuries is important for the right diagnosis and planning treatment.
Different types of rotator cuff injuries
Tendinitis
Tendinitis or rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff, which is caused because of repetitive overhead activities. It is most often characterized by shoulder pain and swelling, specifically while raising arms or doing some specified movements. Tendonitis can occur in either one or multiple tendons, resulting in discomfort and less movement.
Impingement
Rotator cuff impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or the burse is pinched between the shoulder blade and the humerus head. This compression results in repetitive overhead movements or anatomical variations in the structure of the shoulder. Symptoms mainly include feeling pain while doing overhead activities, shoulder tenderness and pain that goes down the arm.
Rotator cuff tears
Rotator cuff tears are of two types depending on their source and extent:
- Partial rotator cuff tears
In this kind of tear, the tendon is damaged without getting completely ruptured. They usually vary in size and severity, putting an impact on the tendon fibers to several degrees. Partial rotator cuff tears occur because of acute trauma or any chronic degeneration.
- Complete rotator cuff tears
A complete tear of the rotator cuff is where the tendon gets detached from its attachment to the bone. It occurs because of some trauma or slowly because of chronic degeneration or repeating stress.
Acute traumatic tears
A sudden injury or trauma can cause acute traumatic tears. Other than that, when someone falls with an outstretched arm, a forceful lifting movement and some direct blow to the shoulder. With acute traumatic tears, there will be immediate pain, loss of function of the shoulder and weakness.
Degenerative rotator cuff tears
Degenerative rotator cuff tears occur over time because of wear and tear of the rotator cuff tendons. This is very common among older adults and those who are engaged in overhead repetitive activities. Degenerative changes can make the tissue weak, thereby enhancing the chance of getting tears with even small trauma or strain.
Calcific rotator cuff tendonitis
This is a type of rotator cuff injury that occurs because of the deposition of calcium within the tendons of the rotator cuff. Those deposits can lead to irritation, pain and inflammation in the shoulder. Calcific rotator cuff tendons might resolve on their own or need treatment based on how many deposits have occurred and what symptoms one is recording.
Conclusion
Rotator cuff injuries include various conditions that range from tendonitis and impingement to tears resulting from trauma, overuse and degenerative changes. It is important to do early diagnosis and proper treatment for optimization of the outcomes and restoration of the shoulder functioning. By understanding different types of rotator cuff injuries and their mechanisms, it becomes easy to target interventions thereby promoting recovery and enhancing overall quality of life.
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