Evaluating Your Injury

Before your rotator cuff problem can be treated, your orthopaedist needs to assess your injury. This means taking a look at your health history and daily activities. A shoulder exam and tests help pinpoint the cause and type of your injury. Then you and your orthopaedist can talk about the treatment plan that's best for you.

Your Health History

To learn about your injury, your doctor may ask you many questions. Where do you feel pain? When do you feel it? How is it affecting your activities? What kind of job or sports are you doing? He or she may ask you about any other physical problems you've had. You may also be asked about any family health problems that might affect your treatment.

Your Shoulder Exam

To find the location and cause of your pain, your doctor will feel your shoulder. He or she may also check for signs of weakness and for popping or grinding sounds. Movement and resistance tests help show your shoulder's flexibility, strength, and stability.

X-rays and Other Tests

Your doctor can learn even more about your injury through one or more tests.

X-rays. Images of bones may reveal abnormal bony structures, fractures, or dislocations in your shoulder.

Arthrograms. Dye is injected into your shoulder joint to outline the rotator cuff. If the cuff is torn, dye leaks into the area outside the cuff. This will show on this type of x-ray.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Cross-sectional images provide views of rotator cuff problems. These can include inflammation, tears, and calcium deposits.

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.