SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

Last Reviewed: January 15, 2026 by SymptomDX Medical Team

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

← Management Protocols

Home Management ProtocolsRotator cuff tear (acute traumatic)

Rotator cuff tear (acute traumatic)

Clinical Assessment Checklist

Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.

Immediate priorities

Immediate stabilization priorities

If airway or breathing compromise, resuscitation pathway

If high-energy trauma, concurrent polytrauma evaluation

If hemodynamic instability, hemorrhage source evaluation

If expanding shoulder hematoma, vascular injury concern

Neurovascular limb threat screen

If absent distal pulses, immediate reduction if dislocation suspected and emergent vascular consult

If progressive paresthesia or weakness, urgent ortho evaluation

Associated injury screen

Cervical spine injury risk with high-energy mechanism

Head injury or syncope preceding fall

Key decision points

Disposition-critical decision points

Suspected shoulder dislocation or proximal humerus fracture first, then rotator cuff evaluation

Post-reduction reassessment for persistent weakness and cuff tear

Acute traumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear likelihood

Age >40 with fall on outstretched hand

Sudden pain with immediate loss of active elevation

Time-sensitive ortho referral triggers

Young or highly active patient with suspected full-thickness tear

Pseudoparalysis with preserved passive range of motion

Documentation essentials

High-yield documentation set

Mechanism and time of injury

Fall, traction, direct blow, dislocation event

Baseline function and dominance

Work and sport demands

Neurovascular exam before and after any reduction

Axillary nerve sensory over lateral deltoid

Deltoid contraction

Pain control response and range of motion pattern

Active limitation out of proportion to passive limitation

Medical Disclaimer

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

Last Reviewed: January 15, 2026 by SymptomDX Medical Team

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

← Management Protocols

Home Management ProtocolsRotator cuff tear (acute traumatic)