Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one or more of the tendons of the muscles that surround the shoulder joint and help with arm movement.
When to get help quickly: Most rotator cuff tears are not emergencies, but urgent assessment is appropriate if the tear follows significant injury and the arm cannot be lifted at all.
Common symptoms
Shoulder pain (often worse at night and when reaching overhead), weakness lifting the arm, clicking, and difficulty with everyday tasks like dressing or washing hair.
When imaging helps
Imaging shows which tendon is torn, the size of the tear, whether it is partial or full thickness, and how much retraction has occurred.
What radiology does
Ultrasound and MRI are both used; MR arthrography may help characterise complex or recurrent tears.
What usually happens next
Treatment ranges from physiotherapy and pain control for small or partial tears to surgical repair for large, symptomatic full-thickness tears, especially in younger or active patients.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Shoulder MRIExamine the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues around your shoulder joint with a comprehensive Shoulder MRI. It is the premier diagnostic tool for identifying painful rotator cuff tears, severe tendon inflammation, and labral injuries.
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) UltrasoundA Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound provides a real-time, moving picture of your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Unlike a static X-ray, this test allows your doctor to see how your internal structures move and stretch while you actively use them.