Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears in throwing athletes

The throwing athlete generates a tremendous force and torque on the shoulder to create the acceleration and deceleration necessary to propel objects at a high velocity. The muscles of the rotator cuff must offset these high-energy forces to stabilize the humeral head within the glenoid which, overtime, can lead to muscle fatigue and repetitive microtrauma. As a result, overhead athletes constantly subject their rotator cuffs to extreme loads, which can lead to a spectrum of rotator cuff pathology. It has been our experience that partial-thickness rotator cuff tears are one of the most common findings in the injured thrower's shoulder. The purpose of this article is to address the technical aspects of treating throwing athletes with partial thickness rotator cuff tears.