How does a shoulder doctor help with rotator cuff tears?
Author Dr. Bálint Major | 2023.07.12.
Dr. Bálint Major, orthopaedic traumatologist, spoke in detail about the symptoms and treatment options of rotator cuff tears in the Lifestyle magazine.
The rotator cuff tear
The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles that connect the humerus to the scapula. The role of the muscle group is to stabilise the joint and allow the limb to move freely.
Damage to or weakening of the sheath can limit arm movement and cause pain, which can significantly affect the patient's daily activities and quality of life.
The most common causes of injury
Damage or rupture of the rotator cuff can have a significant impact on the patient's life. The causes of the problem can be many and varied, but there are 2 main groups of triggers:
- The tendon ruptures due to physical damage.
- Wear and tear that develops as a result of physical work or competitive sport.
In this case, a process takes place in which the tendon is peeled off the bone over time.
These two groups of symptoms can occur separately or in combination:
- The tendon in the rupturing half is subjected to a trauma that causes it to rupture completely.
Rotator cuff tears are an insidious disease
At the onset of the problem, the patient may not experience any specific symptoms for up to 2-3 years, or may only experience mild pain. This condition is very dangerous as the extent of the tear can slowly and gradually increase and become critical due to trauma. This can lead to a reduction in range of motion.
Of course, there are also cases where the problem is indicated by typical symptoms:
- Pain
- Arm lifting difficulty
- Total movement restriction
Surgical intervention is unavoidable for large ruptures, in severe cases, a shoulder replacement may be necessary.
The patient has the best chance of regaining the position in which he or she was able to use the shoulder freely and painlessly, if we surgically repair the torn tendon.
Awareness for long-term health
Health is easier to maintain than to regain, so it pays to be aware of your body's signals.
Even with mild but persistent pain, it is recommended to see a shoulder specialist, who diagnoses and treats the problem in time.
And in the case of a serious tear or injury, prompt surgical intervention can restore freedom of movement without pain.
