This is an interview with Dr. Michael Codsi, MD who is an Orthopedic Surgeon at The Everett Clinic. For a full biography of Dr. Codsi, please visit: http://michaeljcodsi.everettclinic.com/.

"The rotator cuff is made up of four tendons that go around your shoulder, and they help you rotate your shoulder, which is why it's called the rotator cuff."

"One of those rotator cuff tendons, which is on the top of your shoulder, is very often worn out with age or use, or through an injury. The good news is, though, once these are torn we can repair these through the arthroscope."

"Most patients have pain in the front of their shoulder when they have a rotator cuff tear. Surprisingly it often bothers them even when they sleep at night. When it gets that bad, and things like physical therapy do not help, then surgery is an option to fix that tendon."

For more information on The Everett Clinic Orthopedics Department please visit: http://www.everettclinic.com/specialties/orthopaedics.ashx?p=904.