Your rotator cuff consists of four muscles and four associated tendons that allow movement and provide stability to your shoulder joint. These soft tissues are quite strong, especially the tendons that attach your muscles to the bone. Despite their strength, they are not immune from injury, and damage to these tendons can cause significant problems for your shoulder joint function.
Damage to your shoulder tendons can result in a tendon tear, and these tears are typically classified as partial or full thickness tears. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the similarities and differences between partial and full thickness rotator cuff tears.
Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
Let’s begin by looking at some of the characteristics of partial thickness rotator cuff tears:
- What Is It? – Only part of the tendon has been torn, without complete detachment from the bone.
- Causes – Typically caused by repetitive stress, aging and/or natural degeneration.
- Symptoms – Mild to moderate pain, dull discomfort, muscles weakness and symptoms that worsen with overhead arm motions.
- Diagnosis – Your doctor may be able to diagnose a partial thickness rotator cuff tear with the help of a physical examination and by talking with you about your symptoms, but an MRI will allow for a more precise diagnosis and thorough understanding of the extent of the damage.
- Treatment – Most partial thickness rotator cuff tears respond well to conservative treatments, so patients can expect a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and a gradual return to more strenuous activities.
- Recovery Time – Recovery time is typically several weeks to a couple of months.
- Outlook – High likelihood of returning to all normal and highly-physical activities assuming proper recovery protocols are followed.
Partial thickness rotator cuff tears are the less severe of the two types of tears, and with early intervention and a little effort on your end, you can typically overcome the problem without the need for surgery.
Full Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
Next, let’s explore some of the characteristics of full thickness rotator cuff tears:
- What Is It? – The tendon has completely detached from the bone.
- Causes – Typically caused by acute trauma, like a hard fall, a car crash or a significant collision during athletics.
- Symptoms – Severe and intense pain and shoulder weakness. Significant functional impairment, making it difficult to perform normal physical tasks.
- Diagnosis – For severe shoulder injuries like a full thickness rotator cuff tear, your doctor will likely order an MRI or similar imaging technique to explore the true extent of the damage and to chart the best course of treatment.
- Treatment – A full thickness rotator cuff tear will not heal correctly on its own, so surgery is advised to reattach the ligament and ensure function and strength is restored.
- Recovery Time – Several months of recovery following corrective surgery.
- Outlook – Surgery has a high rate of success, but patients will need an extended recovery protocol. Sticking with your physical therapy recovery plan over the course of your recovery is essential for regaining the most function and stability in your rotator cuff as possible.
A full thickness tear will require more care and attention, but with the help of the right medical team and dedication to your recovery efforts, you can make a great recovery if you suffer the more severe type of tear. Dr. Holloway and his team would be more than happy to help you overcome whatever shoulder issue you’re facing. Give his team a call today at (865) 410-7887.
