Rotator cuff tendonitis

Alternative names:

pitcher's shoulder; shoulder impingement syndrome; swimmer's shoulder; tennis shoulder

Definition:

An inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The rotator cuff holds the head of the humerus into the fossa of the scapula. Tearing and inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder muscles can occur in sports requiring the arm to be moved over the head repeatedly as in tennis, pitching, swimming, and lifting weights over the head. Chronic inflammation or injury can cause tearing of the rotator cuff. The risk factors are an age of over 40 years and participation in sports or exercise that involves repetitive arm motion over the head (such as baseball).