Rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that connect the scapula (shoulder blade) to the humerus (upper arm bone). The four muscles are the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. These muscles act to move the shoulder and to keep the shoulder joint in its socket. Each one originates near the scapula and ends in a tendon that attaches to the humerus. Tendons are tissue that connects muscle to bone.
Injuries to the rotator cuff can occur among people who make repetitive overhead or throwing motions. Such overuse injuries are common among professional baseball pitchers and other athletes. Symptoms of rotator cuff injury include pain and weakness in the shoulder. Pain is often worse while making overhead motions, such as throwing or reaching behind one’s back.
Injuries to the rotator cuff can be mild and reversible or can be severe and permanent. Rotator cuff tendinitis occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become inflamed. It is common in athletes who constantly use overhead motions, such as baseball pitchers, swimmers, and tennis players. This overuse injury is also becoming more common in children and teen-agers as their level of organized sports activity increases. Physicians prescribe rest, medications, and often physical therapy to treat the swelling and inflammation of rotator cuff tendinitis. Older people may suffer tears of the rotator cuff, particularly after a fall. Surgery may be required following a tear.
See also Shoulder .
