Best
Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
in Hyderabad
Comprehensive Care
Multidisciplinary Team
Advanced Rehabilitation Specialists
What is a Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that surround the ball of the shoulder (humeral head) and originate at the shoulder blade (scapula). The muscles are attached to the bone with tendons. The rotator cuff helps hold the head of the humerus down in the shoulder socket during shoulder motions such as reaching to the side or overhead. It also helps maintain stability of the shoulder joint.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff may tear as a result of a direct blow or injury to the shoulder, strain from sudden increase in activity or intensity of use, bone spur off the acromium (roof of the shoulder joint) or aging and degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons.
Types of Rotator Cuff Tear:
There are two main types of Rotator Cuff Tear : partial tear and complete tear.
Partial Tear : When the tendon is only torn partway through. This means the tendon is still attached to the bone, but it is thinner than normal, thus leading to pain & weakness, popping or clicking sound in the shoulder.
They are often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
Complete Tear : When the tendon is completely torn from the bone. This will lead to severe pain, weakness & difficulty in moving the arm at all.
They are often caused by sudden injury like fall or accident.
What are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Symptoms may include :
- Pain that increases with function of the shoulder
- Aching of the shoulder when it is not in use
- Pain at night
- Weakness and a limited range of motion
- Crackling sensation when there is a movement in the shoulder
How is Rotator Cuff Tear Diagonsed?
- A physical examination may reveal tenderness over the shoulder. Pain may occur when the shoulder is raised overhead. There is usually weakness of the shoulder when it is placed in certain positions.
- X-rays of the shoulder may show a bone spur or change in the position of the shoulder.
Other Tests may be required:
- An ultrasound test uses sound waves to create an image of the shoulder joint. It can show a tear in the rotator cuff.
- MRI of the shoulder may show swelling or a tear in the rotator cuff.
With a joint x-ray (arthrogram), the doctor injects contrast material (dye) into the shoulder joint. Then an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan is used to take a picture of it. Contrast is usually used when your doctor suspects a small rotator cuff tear.
Treatment options for Rotator Cuff Tear:
Non-Surgical Treatments:
Rest : Limited activity and give some rest to the shoulder.
Activity changes : No or less activity that causes more strain on the shoulder joint.
Strengthening Exercises : Physiotherapy sessions will help restore movement and strengthen the shoulder muscles.This is also help in improving flexibility and range of motion.
Steroid Injections : If both rest and physiotherapy didn’t help with the pain, some steroid injections may be recommended.
Surgical Treatments:
For a partial rotator cuff tear pain-free strengthening exercises are recommended. Cortisone injections can help promote healing in more severe injuries. Partial rotator cuff tears that fail to heal spontaneously may require arthroscopic surgery to remove dead tissue from the tendons and promote healing.
For Complete Rotator Cuff Tear, a surgery will be recommended. This surgery is most successful during the first few months after the injury, as when the muscle is completely torn the muscle retracts back.
Over time, the retracted muscle tends to scar in place and becomes less pliable making it more difficult to surgically pull back into place and reattach to the humeral head. Studies have shown that over extended periods of time unrepaired torn rotator cuff muscle turns into fatty tissue. The reason for this is unknown.
How is the Rotator Cuff Repaired?
Surgery is done by Arthroscopy. The muscle is pulled back into place with stitches and anchored into the bone using bioabsorbable (absorbed by the body) anchors.
How long do torn rotator cuff tear take to heal?
For the first three to six weeks after surgery, you will need to wear a sling. Usually, after the first four weeks, you are encouraged to start with a pain-free motion of the shoulder joint, and after a few more weeks you can begin doing strengthening exercises.
Physical therapy is usually helpful. You can begin soon after the initial healing has occurred.
Following successful rehabilitation, you can usually participate in unrestricted activities three-six months after complete rotator cuff surgery.
If you are having any of the symptoms mentioned or feel there is some form of pain for more than a two weeks, consult with a orthopedic doctor. Book an appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In most cases, a rotator cuff tear will not heal on its own. In most rotator cuff tears, the muscle partially or fully tears away from the bone. Rotator cuff tears won’t heal on their own. You’ll need rotator cuff repair to restore your shoulder joint. A shoulder surgeon is the perfect physician to see for rotator cuff injuries.
The best way to treat a rotator cuff tear depends on its severity. Rest, ice, and Physical Therapy are often the first lines of treatment for minor tears. Physical therapists can also design exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion.
Ignoring a rotator cuff tear can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder.
Early intervention can often help prevent surgery and promote a faster, more complete recovery.
A rotator cuff tear can cause various symptoms, and the intensity of the pain can vary depending on the severity of the tear.
The pain can be felt in the front of the shoulder, radiating down the arm in some cases. It might be sharp and stabbing, or a dull ache, and often worsens with specific movements like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or sleeping on the affected side.
With a minor tear, proper treatment with rest, physical therapy, and potentially anti-inflammatory medication can often lead to a full recovery. In this case, returning to your normal activities and living pain-free lives is likely achievable.
Based on the severity of the tear and proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people can regain good shoulder function and return to most daily activities .
Rotator cuff repair offers a significant chance of long-term success. In some cases, the rotator cuff can retear. If this happens, you might experience a return of pain and weakness in the shoulder. Fortunately, revision surgery (surgery to repair a retear) can often be successful in these cases.
Early diagnosis and treatment of a rotator cuff tear are crucial for optimal outcomes. Consulting an orthopedic surgeon can help you understand surgery’s potential benefits and risks and determine if it’s the right course of action for your specific case. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people who undergo rotator cuff repair can achieve significant improvement and enjoy long-term shoulder stability.
A note from Impact Orthopedic Center :
In conclusion, rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder injury that can cause pain, weakness, and limitations in daily activities. While some minor tears might heal with rest and physical therapy, ignoring a rotator cuff tear for an extended period can lead to chronic pain and limit your shoulder function. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for optimal healing and regaining full use of your shoulder.
Consult a qualified orthopedic doctor if you’re experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, or limited mobility, particularly after a fall or injury. Our commitment is to providing exceptional care and helping you achieve a pain-free life. We are the best orthopedic doctors for all shoulder pain and injury treatments in Hyderabad. Book your appointment today.