How are impingement and rotator cuff tears diagnosed?
With a careful history and physical examination, impingement and rotator cuff tears can be easily diagnosed. After the evaluation of symptoms, certain muscle tests will help to determine whether there are tears in the rotator cuff tendons and to rule out other conditions. Further evaluation may include: A diagnostic injection can help us distinguish between impingement syndrome and a full thickness rotator cuff tear. A local anesthetic is injected into the inflamed bursae to eliminate the pain. If strength in the shoulder returns once the pain is blocked, it is likely that the weakness was due to pain and the rotator cuff tendons are not torn. A rotator cuff tear is suspected if strength does not return while the pain is blocked. X-rays can reveal signs of arthritis, fractures, and bone spurs on the acromion. They can also reveal changes in position of the humerus and scapula that may suggest a rotator cuff tear. These images are frequently negative in the early stages of injury since
