Rotator Cuff Tear (RCT) Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Rotator Cuff Tear (RCT) Overview The shoulder joint is surrounded by four groups of muscles called rotator cuff muscles, which arise from the shoulder blade bone (scapula). These muscles can partially or completely undergo tearing depending on the underlying cause. Risk Factors Age above 40 yearsTrauma (secondary to any injury) or degeneration (age-related wear and tear)Smoking Overuse of the shoulderOrthopaedic sports injuries (weightlifting or overhead sports) Diagnosis The diagnosis is primarily based on history (injury or non-injury), symptoms (pain and/or weakness in the affected shoulder affecting daily activities), and clinical examination (specific tests related to the rotator cuff muscle function), which are performed by the shoulder surgeon.The diagnosis is further confirmed by performing ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment The treatment is based on a variety of factors, such as age, general health condition, duration and type of tear, and activity level.Conservative management usually comprises rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy (targeting specific muscles), or even steroid injections (primarily advised for pain management).Surgical management can include a rotator cuff repair (arthroscopic or open), muscle transfers (in patients with massive irreparable tears), or even joint replacement surgery (reverse shoulder replacement).