Rotator Cuff Tear

The first image is a MRI image of a shoulder with a rotator cuff tear shown by the red arrow. The second image is a MRI image of what a normal shoulder rotator cuff would look like. http://www.emedx.com/emedx/diagnosis_information/shoulder_disorders/rotator_cuff_mris_pictures.htm

A rotator cuff tear is an injury to one of more of the four tendons that make up the rotator cuff of the shoulder. The tears come in many different shapes and sizes. They are usually separated into two categories: repetitive use and traumatic injuries. Tears are much more common in older people. As people age the rotator cuff loses elasticity and becomes more susceptible to injury. The pain is often felt on the outside of the shoulder or upper arm while performing over head activities and pain at night. The tears can be diagnosed using xray, arthrogram, MRI, or US. They can be treated using pain medicines, rest, therapy, or surgery