What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff

A common condition that I see and am asked about in clinic is rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff problems are some of the more common and frustrating issues that patients can deal with throughout their lives.  Rotator cuff issues can weaken your shoulder and make activities of daily living, like combing your hair or getting dressed painful and difficult to do.

What is the rotator cuff?

Your shoulder is made up of three bones:

• your upper arm bone, called the humerus,

• your shoulder blade, called the scapula, and

• your collar bone, called the clavicle.  

Your arm is partially kept in your shoulder socket by the rotator cuff.  The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together to form tendons that cover the head of your humerus.  The rotator cuff attaches to the humerus and allows you to lift and rotate your arm.  

On top of your rotator cuff, you have a lubricating sac called the bursa.  The bursa allows your rotator cuff to freely glide when you move your arm.  Sometimes, the rotator cuff or the bursa become inflamed and painful.

shoulder bursa

Stay tuned for more information about rotator cuff tears. More information can be found here.