The Rotator Cuff is a network of four muscles (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Subscapularis) that come together as tendons to form a covering around the head of the humerus. The Rotator Cuff attaches the humerus to the Shoulder Blade and helps to lift and rotate your arm.
A Torn Rotator Cuff will weaken your shoulder. This means that many daily activities, like combing your hair or getting dressed, may become painful and difficult to do.
When one or more of the Rotator Cuff Tendons is torn, the tendon no longer fully attaches to the head of the humerus. Most tears occur in the Supraspinatus Muscle and tendon, but other parts of the Rotator Cuff may also be involved.
This type of tear damages the soft tissue, but does not completely sever it.
This type of tear is also called a Complete Tear. It splits the soft tissue into two pieces. The part closer to the muscle belly may get retracted over a period of time, making the repair more difficult.
If you fall down on your outstretched arm or lift something too heavy with a jerking motion, you can tear your Rotator Cuff. This type of tear can occur with other Shoulder Injuries, such as a broken collarbone or Dislocated Shoulder.
Most tears are the result of a wearing down of the tendon that occurs slowly over time. This degeneration naturally occurs as we age. Rotator Cuff Tears are more common in the dominant arm.
MRI of the Shoulder is a Gold Standard for Rotator Cuff Tears
In about 50% of patients, Non-surgical Treatment relieves pain and improves function in the shoulder. Shoulder strength, however, does not usually improve without surgery.
Non-surgical Treatment options may include :
Specific exercises will restore movement and strengthen your Shoulder. Your exercise program will include stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion. Strengthening the muscles that support your Shoulder can relieve pain and prevent further injury.
All-Arthroscopic Repair:
During Arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an Athroscope, into your Shoulder Joint. The camera displays pictures on a television screen, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments. Because the Arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions (cuts), rather than the larger incision needed for standard, open surgery.
All-Arthroscopic Repair patient procedure is the least invasive method to repair a Torn Rotator Cuff.