A rotator cuff tear is a common injury to one or more of the tendons that attach the four muscles of the rotator cuff to the shoulder bone. Rotator cuff tears can occur from overuse, degeneration, or trauma, and can cause pain, weakness, and limited shoulder mobility.
Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure used to fix a rotator cuff injury or tear. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Its role is to keep the head of your upper arm bone (humerus) inside the shoulder socket (glenoid). Repetitive overhead movements or heavy lifting can cause damage, or tear the rotator cuff which, if left untreated, may lead to a permanent loss of movement or weakness in the shoulder joint.
Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff involves Dr Singh stitching the tendon back onto your upper arm bone (humerus). If the tendon is only partially torn, a procedure called a debridement may be used to trim and smooth the tear. In some cases, if there is massive, irreparable damage to the rotator cuff and for those patients, a superior capsule reconstruction may be required. This is an arthroscopic procedure that can be used to improve function and reduce pain.
To determine your condition, Dr Singh will examine your range of motion, asses your ability to raise your arm and go through your full medical history. Further tests such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI may also be required in order to assess the condition of the bones, tendons and ligaments and make to make an accurate diagnosis.
Following surgery, you will need to undergo a period of rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, exercises, and other treatments as prescribed by the surgeon or physical therapist.
Overall, rotator cuff tear repair can be an effective treatment for restoring shoulder function and reducing pain in patients with rotator cuff tears however, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, and each patient’s individual circumstances will determine whether the procedure is appropriate for them. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of rotator cuff tear repair with Dr Singh before undergoing the procedure.