Signs of an Old Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and several tendons in the shoulder area. They cover the humerus bone and allow the arm to rotate. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one of the muscles is injured, either in a traumatic event or as the result of wear and tear over time, most likely due to aging. Signs of an old rotator cuff tear include a dull pain over a long time in the shoulder, lack of motion and weakness in the shoulder.

Pain

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, pain is one sign of an old rotator cuff tear. The pain of an old tear is different from that of a one-time traumatic event, which produces an acute pain. The old tear produces a dull pain that gradually increases over time. The person is generally unaware that it is a rotator cuff tear until diagnosed by a physician.

Lack of Motion

• When a person has trouble moving his shoulder in a normal fashion, that is a sign of an old tear. The Mayo Clinic explains the symptom as a lack of motion in the shoulder. This could involve being unable to raise one's arm as high as normal or being unable to extend the arm in all directions. This lack of motion is accompanied by a dull pain. With an old tear, this lack of motion develops over time.

Weakness

• Another sign is weakness in the shoulder. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes this as the inability to use the arm in a normal way, such as picking up or lifting items or other activities that require a strong shoulder. This weakness may be accompanied by a crackling sound when the shoulder is being used. Again, this weakness does not happen all at once as in a traumatic rotator cuff tear. It progresses until it reaches the point at which it indicates an old tear.