Shoulder problem that attach the shoulder muscles to bone and assist the muscles in moving the shoulder. Ligaments attach shoulder bones to each other, providing stability. For example, the front of the joint capsule is anchored by three glenohumeral ligaments. The rotator cuff is a structure composed of tendons that, with associated muscles, holds the ball at the top of the humerus in the glenoid socket and provides mobility and strength to the shoulder joint. Four filmy sac-like structures called bursa permit smooth gliding between bone, muscle, and tendon. They cushion and protect the rotator cuff from the bony arch of the
Rotator cuff tear or arthritis. Superior labral anterior-posterior lesions produce pain similar to that of rotator cuff tears. Those most prone to failed rotator cuff syndrome are patients 65 years of age or older; and those with large, sustained tears. Smokers, diabetes sufferers, patients with muscle atrophy and/or fatty infiltration, and those who do not follow postoperative-care recommendations also are at greater risk. Doctors examine patients and conduct imaging tests to identify the causes of continued discomfort. Depending upon the diagnosis, several treatment alternatives are available. They include revision repair, nonanatomic repair, tendon transfer and arthroplasty. When possible, surgeons make tension-free repairs in