The evaluation of a rotator cuff tear begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings of a rotator cuff tear may include:

• Pain when you lift your arm
• Pain when you lower your arm from a fully raised position
• Shoulder weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
• A crackling sensation in the shoulder joint during movement
• Shoulder tenderness
• Atrophy of muscles in the shoulder:
• Decrease size of the muscles around the shoulder
• Inability to move the shoulder

Usually, tests are necessary to make the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a rotator cuff tear include:

• Shoulder x-rays
• MRI scan of the shoulder
• Arthrogram of the shoulder
• Arthroscopy of the shoulder
• May be used to repair the injury