Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff enfolds the spherical end of the humerus that constitutes the shoulder joint. While it holds the joint in place, it also enables movement of the shoulder. The rotator cuff consists of a group of 4 muscles and tendons. These muscles are attached to the shoulder capsule and each of them has a specific function in the movement of the shoulder. Any tear in any of these muscles is called a rotator cuff tear or rotator cuff syndrome. The muscle that gets torn the most is the M. Supraspinatus, a small muscle which enables abduction and extension of the arm.

Rotator cuff tears may occur after impact or accident while they may also be observed without any trauma. Most of the time, a straining physical move is what causes the tear. Shoulder tear may give away various signs. Sudden onset of pain, restriction of shoulder movement after activities such as lifting weight, doing the cleaning, or involuntary or unexpected movement of the arm or the shoulder can all indicate a tear in the shoulder. However, shoulder tear also displays symptoms such as weakening in the arm and inability to lift the shoulder together with pain. If not treated, the tear can progress and render the arm dysfunctional. If you have chronic pain, weakness, and restriction of movement in your arm, please consult your physician without further delay.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tear

• Pain in the shoulder and arm
• Weakness in the arm
• Restriction of shoulder movement
• Particular inability to abduct the arm and severe pain while trying to keep it elevated

Diagnosis

In effect, the symptoms listed above help physicians make a diagnosis. You may be asked to move your arm at certain directions during physical examination. Diagnosis is finalised with tests during the examination. If required, x-ray and MRI scans may be required.

Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tear

Advanced stages of shoulder tear may be difficult to treat. Therefore, a conclusive decision needs to be made as soon as possible as to whether a surgical or non-surgical treatment will be followed. Non-surgical treatment methods such as physiotherapy or medication can be opted for.  As opposed to general expectation, you should keep the shoulder active and even increase its mobility. This will prevent potential adhesion within the capsule as immobility for an extended period of time is likely to increase pain, restrict movement further, and ultimately cause yet another problem called frozen shoulder syndrome.

Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery

Shoulder tear surgery is performed with arthroscopy. Shoulder arthroscopy is a closed surgery method and aims at eliminating the problem with the help of cameras and treatment instruments inserted through small holes with a diameter of 0.5cm. As these tiny pinholes are sufficient enough for the surgeon to operate the camera and surgery tools within the joint, there is no need for large incisions. Tear must be new; in other words, it should not in its chronic stages for a successful arthroscopy application. Otherwise, fat deposition in the muscles increases in time and tear may recur even after being treated. In this case, muscles can lose their function. For more details on the surgical process, advantages of arthroscopy and the post-operational period, please refer to our article on shoulder arthroscopy.