The rotator cuff is located in the shoulder and is made up of the muscles and tendons that connect the humerus to the shoulder blade. These tendons keep the shoulder bones in place. The rotator cuff tendons are normally strong, but they can become inflamed and tear as a result of overuse, wear and tear associated with aging or an accident.

The injury is common among athletes who repeatedly use overhead motion (such as pitching in baseball or throwing a football) and among people who do heavy lifting. Patients are usually asked to rest the shoulder and apply cold or heat to sore areas. Treatment may also include injections of corticosteroids directly into the shoulder to reduce inflammation and relieve pain and discomfort.

Researchers at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine studied rotator cuff tendon tissue of rats and conducted genetic analysis to determine how molecules in the tissue react to both steroid injections and injuries.

"Steroid injection temporarily produces a molecular response in the tissue that is similar to that of a tendon injury, possibly making it more vulnerable to damage during this time," lead researcher Dr. John Callaci, said in a press release. The research was presented February 14 at the 53rd annual meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society in San Diego.

He added: "This is especially important because steroids often give patients rapid pain relief. If a patient returns to rigorous activities right after a steroid injection, the weakened tissue may not be able to sustain itself."

Callaci noted that physical therapy is another treatment option for people with rotator cuff injuries, but it takes longer to see results. "Steroids rapidly provide anti-inflammatory and pain relief. That is why steroids are so popular," Callaci added.

The research was partially funded by a grant from the Mid American Orthopaedic Association.

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