US Medical Term · anatomy
Rotator Cuff
Manguito rotador
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Rotator Cuff |
| Spanish (Español) | Manguito rotador |
| Chinese (中文) | 旋轉肌袖 |
| Korean (한국어) | 회전근개 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bao xơ khớp vai (manguito rotador) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Rotator cuff (kalamnan ng balikat) |
| Portuguese (Português) | Manguito rotador |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กล้ามเนื้อโรเตเตอร์คัฟ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 腱板 |
What it means
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround and stabilize the shoulder joint. These muscles hold the ball of the upper arm bone firmly in the shoulder socket and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. Rotator cuff injuries are very common, especially in people who do repetitive overhead motions — like athletes, painters, or construction workers. Injuries range from inflammation and tendinitis to partial or complete tears. Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Treatment may include physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My shoulder has been weak and painful — the doctor suspects a rotator cuff tear.
El hombro está débil y dolorido — el médico sospecha un desgarro del manguito rotador.
I had an MRI and it showed a partial tear in my rotator cuff.
Me hicieron una resonancia magnética y mostró un desgarro parcial en el manguito rotador.
Will I need surgery to repair my rotator cuff, or can I get better with therapy?
¿Necesitaré cirugía para reparar el manguito rotador, o puedo mejorar con terapia?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026