What is rotator cuff syndrome?

Definition

Rotatroenschettensyndrom is an inflammation of the bursa in the shoulder joint (Bursitis subacromialis) and an inflammation of the tendons of the muscles that form the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that hold and stabilize the head of the humerus in the shoulder joint. M. supraspinatus, M. infraspinatus, M. subscapularis and M. teres minor form the rotator cuff. In most cases, the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle is affected in rotator cuff syndrome. Treatment of the syndrome is important to prevent complications such as a torn tendon.

These are the symptoms of a rotator cuff syndrome

Pain in the shoulder joint, which occurs mainly when the rotator muscles are moved. Movements such as lifting, spreading, turning the arm inwards or outwards, etc. are the main causes of pain.

Impingement syndrome is a typical indication of rotator cuff syndrome, with pain occurring when the arm is lifted at an angular distance of between 60 and 120 degrees. There is pain that occurs when lying on the affected shoulder. This is also the reason for night-time pain.

The pain can radiate from the shoulder into the arm. If there is a sudden, severe pain followed by a restriction of movement, this is probably caused by a torn tendon of the rotator cuff.

• Pain in the shoulder joint, which occurs mainly when the rotator muscles are moved.

  Movements such as lifting, spreading, turning the arm inwards or outwards, etc. are the main causes of pain.

• Impingement syndrome is a typical indication of rotator cuff syndrome, with pain occurring when the arm is raised at an angular distance between 60 and 120 degrees.
• There is pain that occurs when lying on the affected shoulder. This is also the reason for night-time complaints.
• The pain may radiate from the shoulder into the arm.
• If there is a sudden, severe pain followed by a restriction of movement, this is probably due to a torn tendon of the rotator cuff.

Night-time pain is a typical symptom of rotator cuff syndrome.

It is also typical that there is pain at night, which is stronger than during the day. The pain then occurs mainly when lying on the affected side. To prevent this pain and a disturbed night’s rest, the affected shoulder should be relieved while lying down.

Restricted movement is a common symptom of rotator cuff syndrome. Above all, the restriction is caused by the pain, so that certain movements are simply avoided. This includes, above all, lifting the arm sideways.

If the inflammation in the shoulder has existed for a longer period of time or is recurrent, it can lead to frozen shoulder stiffness, also known as frozen sholder. In this case the shoulder can only be moved minimally. In the case of rotator cuff syndrome, care should therefore be taken to ensure sufficient protection and early treatment in order to quickly contain or limit the restriction of movement.

Inflammation in the joint is triggered by overloading the shoulder joint structures. In rotator cuff syndrome, the bursa is particularly affected, which ensures that the humeral head does not rub against the acromion when the arm is raised. If the humeral head is inflamed, it is trapped between the two joint partners and causes pain.

The inflammation can then spread to surrounding structures and cause pain, redness and swelling. Since the inflammation can attack the joint structures and tendons of the rotator muscles, the shoulder may become calcified or the structures may be partially destroyed, causing, for example, a rupture of the tendon. It is therefore important that an inflammation is treated as soon as possible.

In the context of a rotator cuff syndrome, impingement syndrome describes pain in the shoulder joint when the arm is raised. This involves a tendon or surrounding tissue becoming trapped in the joint that has been narrowed by overstrain or degeneration, causing the pain. The tendon of the supraspinatus muscle is most frequently affected.

The pain typically occurs when the arms are lifted sideways at an angle between 60 and 120 degrees. This angular distance is also known as the “painful arc”. In addition to the shoulder pain, there is also a restriction of movement.Complications can manifest themselves as a torn tendon, recurrent bursitis or a reduction in strength in the shoulder joint.