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Torn rotator cuff

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The rotator cuff is the group of tendons and related muscles that help keep the upper arm bone seated in the socket of the shoulder blade. A torn rotator cuff tendon can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

A rotator cuff tear may be:

  • Partial, in which only part of the fibers of the tendon are torn.
  • Complete or full thickness, in which the tendon is torn all the way through.
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Patrick J. McMahon, MD
- Orthopedics
Last Updated February 8, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 08, 2008
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