Rotator Cuff Tears

Reviewed by Greg Jaroszynski MD, FRCSC | Last updated May 2026

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that connects the shoulder muscles to the humeral head. It helps lift and rotate the arm and keeps the humeral head centered in the socket during movement.

Rotator cuff tears may be traumatic, degenerative, partial-thickness, full-thickness, or massive/retracted. Treatment depends on pain, weakness, function, age, tissue quality, tear size, chronicity, activity goals, and associated arthritis.