Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly rotator cuff tears, are common in sport and
can significantly impact athletes' performance and recovery. The rotator cuff stabilizes
the glenohumeral joint, with the supraspinatus muscle the most susceptible to injury
due to its central role in abduction and stabilization. Rotator cuff tears in athletes
are in general the result of chronic microtrauma in an overused shoulder, but they
can result after direct acute trauma. Sports-specific movements, such as overhead
throwing, repetitive abduction, or heavy lifting, predispose athletes to different
injury patterns. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis
and management of rotator cuff tears, providing detailed insight into tendon integrity,
muscle changes, and associated labral or bone pathology. Return-to-play decisions
depend on the severity of the injury, the management approach, and complex multidisciplinary
considerations. Rehabilitation protocols are critical, with most athletes returning
to sport, often at preinjury levels.
Keywords
shoulder - rotator cuff - tears - sports injury - athletes
