Rotator cuff tear symptoms but MRI and X-ray says no tears

Bones, joints and muscles
1

If someone could help me with what is going on. I have every symptom of a rotator cuff tear but the imagery says no tears. My range of motion is severely off and its also pulling from my neck under arm pit to my palm with numbness and tingling in fingertips.

2

That sounds horribly painful, very much like some kind of nerve issue. My shoulder pain ran from my bicep down my arm and I think that really it's all one nerve but not to numbness which sounds a little scary. I don't think that the MRI always shows everything. but honestly, your doctor is the best source for advice. 

3

 If you’re in pain and you have all those symptoms, and your surgeon doesn’t want to do anything about it, I would get a second and maybe a third opinion. My surgeon is so good at what he does he knew I had a tear without an MRI. He could tell by my symptoms because this is what he specializes in. Definitely get another opinion something doesn’t sound right. 

4

Thakyou

5

Thankyou

6

what was the cause of injury? did you fall or did it come on gradually or with no apparent cause? MRI don't always show tears. My bicep looked ok on MRI but when surgeon went in for rotator tear he said biceps was shredded. Maybe they can run other tests to rule out other areas such as neck MRI or nerve tests. If he recommends no other tests then definitely get another opinion. 

7

Possibly impingement and no tear. Happened to me years ago. I woke up after exercising the following day and couldn’t move my arm, shoulder. I was able to rehab it through physical therapy with no problems. Take the MRI as good news and Proceed with physical therapy. 

8

Hi,

I injured it at work. I was reaching up high trying to remove a large yarn wrap. I had my arm, neck and shoulder over extended, due to the size of the cabinet and the location of the wrap. My arm is not long enough to properly reach without severly stretching.

9

Thanks Cinda

10

I plan on getting another opinion. There's no reason with a normal strain it should affect my range of motion. And 2 doctors are both saying different things.

11

Agree with others stating that MRIs dont show everything.  I’m 3+weeks post rotator cuff, labrum and bicep tenodesis repair...none showed on MRI...and they removed 3cm of calcium that MRI showed as only 3mm.  6 mos of PT, steroid shots x2 and no improvement...went to a new doctor - tops in shoulder repair and now post extensive shoulder sgy am finally on road to recovery!  Find the best shoulder doc you can, this is such an important joint!  Wish you well!

12

Thanks so much for sharing.

13

I see. I would try some therapy and if it does not improve maybe a second opinion.