With age the rotator cuff can tear. Impingement is a physiological process and will eventually cause a rotator cuff tear.
These tears whether partial or complete are tears caused by attrition and the most common tendon involved is the supraspinatus.
Partial tears are most often caused by repetitive overhead motions or degeneration due to aging.
Diagnosis is typically made by clinical examination, ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment again will include physical therapy, medication and occasionally surgery is required.
