Rotator Cuff Repair: An Indispensable Manual to Shoulder Fitness by Dr. Akshay Shetty

Being a highly mobile joint, the human shoulder accommodates much movement. Unfortunately, it is at a high risk of injuries, particularly, to the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff comprises four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder while performing motions of the arm. Injury to this structure could cause pain, weakness, and reduced mobility. Untreated, rotator cuff injuries could lead to very severe complications. This blog takes you through causes, signs, and treatment options for tears in the rotator cuff.

What is the Rotator Cuff?

Four muscles comprise the rotator cuff:

Subscapularis

Supraspinatus

Infraspinatus

Teres Minor

The major task of these muscles is to keep the head of the humerus tightly lodged in the glenoid cavity where the humerus attaches to the shoulder joint. The rotation and lifting of the arm is made possible by the rotator cuff. Between the cuff and the acromion bone is a lubricating sac, the bursa, which allows for smooth movement of the tendons.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

The causes of Rotator cuff injuries can be classified into:

Acute Tear due to a Fall - In some instances, it results from sudden injuries resulting from a fall or accident.

Repetitive Stress Injury: Tendon wear and tears can accumulate as a result of continuous overhead activities like playing tennis, badminton, and weight lifting.

Degeneration by Aging: Degeneration with aging is another event that leads to tendon tear; a tendon becomes weaker as we age, and with low force, it can result in a tear.

Bone Spurs: Bone spurs on the acromion bone rub against the rotator cuff leading to slow weakening of the tendon.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears

Symptoms may differ according to the level of the tear:

Acute Tears: Sudden onset of pain along with weakness in raising the arm.

Partial Tears: Painful overhead movements; weakness with other activities.

Full-Thickness Tear: Marked weakness but not much pain, difficulty raising the arm.

Chronic Tears: Gradual pain and discomfort, often referred down the arm during activities such as reaching overhead.

Management Alternatives

Precisely timely treatment can prevent further damage. Treatment can be divided into two categories:

Non-Surgical Treatment: Rest and Activity Modification: Overhead motion. Medication: Pain relievers include NSAIDs to deal with inflammation. Physiotherapy: Strengthening surrounding muscles around the shoulder. Injections: Steroid or PRP injection for pain reduction and healing. Surgical Treatment: If non-surgical methods fail, the torn tendon may require surgical repair. Most commonly, arthroscopy is performed using suture anchors for reattaching the tendon. In severe cases, a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (joint replacement) may be needed.

Why Choose Dr. Akshay Shetty?

Dr. Akshay Shetty is a senior consultant orthopedist for rotator cuff repair. He aims for personalized care at the highest level of surgical excellence. Dr. Shetty specializes in managing all types of shoulder injuries, restoring function, and relieving pain in the patients he treats.

Contact Dr. Akshay Shetty for expert treatment at: 

Phone: +91 6363 273 625 Email: akshayshettyorthocenter07@gmail.com

https://www.drakshayshetty.com/rotator_cuff_repair/