iarjsIARJSIARJS2789-6102https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjs.2024.v04i02.03Shouldering the Pain: Public Knowledge Assessment of Rotator Cuff Injuries in Himachal PradeshSidhantKorlaAkshitPuriPraveenKumarThakurMS Orthopaedics. MO Specialist Orthopaedics at Civil Hospital Karsog, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaBackground: Rotator cuff injuries are a significant cause of shoulder pain and disability globally, affecting a wide range of individuals, particularly those engaged in physically demanding activities. In rural and semi-urban regions like District Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, awareness and understanding of these injuries remain limited. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and inadequate management, exacerbating the condition and reducing the quality of life for affected individuals. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, between January 2024 and May 2024. The study population included 400 adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of the district for at least 12 months. Data were collected using a structured Google form questionnaire, which included socio-demographic information and 20 knowledge-based questions about rotator cuff injuries. The questionnaire was pre-tested for validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using Epi Info V7 software, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study revealed a balanced distribution of participants across different age groups and genders, with 30% aged 18-30 years and 51.8% being female. General awareness of rotator cuff injuries was relatively high, with 79.3% of participants having heard of the condition. However, specific knowledge about symptoms, causes, risk factors and prevention was more variable. While 72% knew that rotator cuff injuries could cause shoulder pain, only 64.5% recognized the associated difficulty in lifting the arm. Awareness of preventive measures, such as proper warm-up exercises (53%) and strengthening shoulder muscles (51.8%), was moderate, while knowledge of treatment options like physical therapy (45%) and surgical intervention (38%) was limited. Overall, 25.3% of participants demonstrated very good knowledge, while 18.3% fell into the poor knowledge category. Conclusion: This study highlights significant gaps in public knowledge regarding rotator cuff injuries in District Kangra, particularly concerning risk factors, prevention and treatment options. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to improve public awareness, promote early diagnosis and enhance the management of rotator cuff injuries. By addressing these knowledge deficits, public health strategies can be more effectively tailored to reduce the burden of rotator cuff injuries on individuals and the healthcare system.