M75.120

Clinical Causes: Degenerative changes due to aging, leading to weakening of shoulder tendons Repetitive overhead activities, such as swimming, tennis, or painting Chronic shoulder impingement, causing wear and tear of tendons Sudden, non-traumatic overload on the shoulder muscles during activities Poor blood supply to shoulder tendons, increasing susceptibility to tears

Key Symptoms: Intense shoulder pain, particularly when moving the arm Weakness or inability to lift or rotate the arm A cracking or popping sensation at the shoulder during movement Limited range of motion in the shoulder joint Tenderness and swelling around the shoulder Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected shoulder

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing a complete rotator cuff tear involves a combination of medical history assessment and physical examinations. Healthcare providers may perform specific shoulder tests to evaluate strength and range of motion. Imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound are often used to confirm the presence and extent of the tear, especially when the injury is not traumatic and the shoulder's condition is unclear.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options vary based on the severity of the tear and the patient's activity level. Common approaches include: - **Conservative Management:** Rest, activity modification, physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles, and pain management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - **Injections:** Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain - **Surgical Intervention:** In cases of persistent pain or significant functional impairment, surgical repair of the torn tendons may be recommended, often involving minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques Recovery involves physical therapy to regain strength and function, with some cases requiring several months of rehabilitation.