Rotator Cuff Tear

Why is an experienced attorney critical to my torn rotator cuff case?

Without an experienced attorney representing you, it's possible that:

• the insurance company has denied your torn rotator cuff claim,
• they have ignored your calls, hoping you tire and go away,
  
• they make an offer to you that is insulting,
• they have told you that your torn rotator cuff didn't happen due to the accident, or that there is no physical evidence to support your injury claim.

DO NOT believe them.

A torn rotator cuff is a legitimate injury that can be caused by an auto accident. Keller & Keller has a strong understanding of torn rotator cuff injuries, their treatment, and the insurance company's defense in regard to these injuries.

What is a rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is the name given to the four muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint. Its main responsibility is to ensure the shoulder's ability to exhibit a wide range of motion. In fact, the shoulder has a wider range of motion than any other joint in our body. It's for this reason that a healthy rotator cuff is vital for allowing you to perform daily routine tasks.

What is a torn rotator cuff?
A tear occurs when one of the four tendons are injured, either from repetitive use {wear and tear}, or a traumatic injury. Though torn rotator cuffs are most often associated with repeated activities such as overhead lifting, or sports, they are also just as likely to occur from a forceful collision such as an auto accident.

How can an auto accident lead to a torn rotator cuff?
Obviously, there are many types of accidents, however, the one often associated with a torn rotator cuff is the "rear-end" collision. Someone who is about to be rear-ended may look in their rear view mirror the instant before impact in response to the sound of screeching tires. At that moment, because they are expecting the collision, they tense up and brace their hands against the steering wheel. Unfortunately, this often leads to severe injury. Because the shoulder is now in a non-relaxed state, it absorbs a large amount of force upon impact. An acute tear to the rotator cuff could likely result from this type of collision.

What are the signs of a torn rotator cuff?
Only a physician can correctly and accurately diagnose a torn rotator cuff; however, you may experience any of the following symptoms that indicate serious injury:

• sudden and/or severe pain to the top or outer sides of the shoulder
• radiating pain throughout the arm
• limited motion
• swelling
• problems sleeping due to pressure placed on the shoulder
• overall weakening of the area
• a popping or clicking sound while moving your arm
  

How does a doctor detect a torn rotator cuff?
A physician may use any number of methods to detect a torn rotator cuff. Generally, they will make use of the following:

• interviewing you in regard to your past medical history
• performing a physical examination of the area
• taking x-rays of the area
  

What treatment is available for a torn rotator cuff?
The treatment for a rotator cuff tear depends on the severity, such as the size and depth of the tear, as well as the location of the tear. It's possible that you may simply be able to engage in rest or a simple home-based therapy if the tear is mild, but most tears require more specialized attention.

If the tear is small you may require:

• supervised physical therapy that involves stretching and strengthening exercises
• corticosteroid injections to temporarily reduce pain (these injections cannot be done repeatedly due to a risk of further weakening the tendon)
• ultrasound (this will enhance topically applied medications)
  

If the tear is larger, deeper, or not responding to traditional treatment, you may require one of three types of surgery:

• open repair
• mini-open repair
• all-arthroscopic repair

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