How can a shoulder specialist help with a rotator cuff tear?

Author: Dr. Bálint Major | July 12, 2023

Dr. Bálint Major, chief orthopedic surgeon and traumatologist, spoke in detail about the symptoms and treatment options for rotator cuff tears on the program *Életmódi magazin*.

Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that connect the humerus to the scapula. The function of this muscle group is to stabilize the joint and allow for unimpeded movement of the arm.

Damage to or weakening of the rotator cuff can restrict arm movement and cause pain, which can significantly affect the patient’s daily activities and quality of life.

The most common cause of injury

Injuries and rotator cuff ruptures significantly affect a patient’s life. The causes of this condition can be varied, but the contributing factors can essentially be classified into two major groups:

• The tendon experiences a rupture as a result of a physical injury.
• Wear and tear resulting from physical labor or competitive sports.

In this case, a process occurs in which the tendon gradually detaches from the bone over time.

These two groups of symptoms can occur separately, but they can also appear in combination:

• The trauma occurs to the tendon, which is already beginning to tear, causing a complete rupture.

The rotator cuff tear is an insidious condition

At the onset of the problem, the patient may not experience any specific symptoms for up to 2–3 years, or may experience only mild pain. This condition is very dangerous, as the rupture can slowly and gradually worsen and become critical following a traumatic event. At that point, the range of motion becomes restricted.

Of course, there are also cases where characteristic symptoms serve as a warning sign of the problem:

• Pain
• Difficulty raising an arm
• Complete loss of mobility

In cases of severe ruptures, an intervention is unavoidable; in severe cases, shoulder replacement surgery may even be required.

Awareness for Long-Term Health

It’s easier to maintain good health than to regain it, so it’s worth paying close attention to the signals our bodies send us.
Even with mild but persistent pain, it’s recommended to see a shoulder specialist who can diagnose and treat the problem in a timely manner.
In the case of a severe rupture or injury, prompt surgical intervention can restore pain-free range of motion.

Most common complaints treated by our shoulder specialists:

• Shoulder pain
• Shoulder Dislocation
• Dislocated Shoulder
• Shoulder Muscle and Ligament Ruptures
• Shoulder muscle pain
• Shoulder inflammation
• Frozen shoulder
• Limited mobility
• Shoulder Joint Arthritis