Various factors cause partial or deep tears in the tendons, which, if they are not paid attention to, will cause the tendon to break or completely tear. Tendon surgery is the solution to this problem
Shoulder tendon surgery, also known as rotator cuff repair, is a type of surgery that aims to repair a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff consists of four tendons that connect to the muscles of the shoulder blade (scapula) and humerus. These muscles work together to move and stabilize the shoulder
Dr. Hossein Haji Taghi’s clinic offers the best services in the field of shoulder tendon surgery. Also, Dr. Haji Taghi, an orthopedic specialist, has performed successful surgeries in this field
What is rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and tendons that attach your arm to the top of your shoulder blade (acromion). If the rotator cuff becomes weak or torn, you may experience pain and weakness. Muscle imbalances cause the tendon to impinge on the acromion, which may cause tendon pain, swelling, and scarring. Over time, these tendons can become damaged to the point that they tear, causing pain and weakness
Usually, 2 types of damage can be done to the rotator cuff:
- Rotator cuff tear: One of the most common injuries that can happen to the shoulder is a rotator cuff tear, and it is often caused by falling or lifting a heavy object
- Rotator cuff degeneration: This can be due to age, wear and tear, and genetic factors
Shoulder tendon surgery
Shoulder injuries are common. Athletes and construction workers often develop rotator cuff injuries due to repetitive motions and overuse of the shoulder. The rotator cuff can be damaged by falls or other injuries. At first, the orthopedic doctor prescribes non-surgical methods, but if the non-surgical treatments are not satisfactory, the doctor performs surgery
Rotator cuff repair surgery may be an effective treatment. To repair a rotator cuff tear, the orthopedic surgeon reattaches the tendon to the humerus using absorbable sutures
Types of surgical and non-surgical methods for rotator cuff repair
Non-surgical methods
At first, when you visit an orthopedic doctor for a rotator cuff injury, they will prescribe non-surgical methods, some of which include the following:
- rest
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Steroid injection
Surgical procedures
If medical methods do not work, the doctor prescribes surgery. Rotator cuff surgery is performed in two ways:
- Arthroscopy
An arthroscope is a small, tube-shaped instrument that is inserted into the joint. It consists of a system of lenses, a small video camera and a light for viewing. The camera is connected to a monitoring system that allows the health care provider to view a joint through a very small incision. An arthroscope is often used in conjunction with other instruments that are inserted through another incision
- Open tendon surgery
If the rotator cuff injury cannot be repaired using arthroscopy, open repair may be performed. In some cases, a tendon graft or joint replacement may be required
Types of shoulder tendon ruptures
Chronic tear
This type of injury occurs due to wear and tear of the tendons over time
acute tear
This type of injury is caused by sudden accidents and trauma to the tendon. Inflammation and spasm of muscles in the shoulder area are the first signs of tendon rupture
complete tear
In this method, the tendon is completely torn and the doctor repairs the rotator cuff with open surgery or arthroscopic surgery
Relative rupture
In this case, the tendon is not completely torn and the person may recover by performing treatments such as physiotherapy
When is rotator cuff surgery recommended?
In partial and total shoulder tendon injuries, when the patient tries conservative methods such as physiotherapy and other non-surgical methods for two or three months and still has pain and difficulty in activities, the orthopedic doctor recommends surgery
Complications of shoulder tendon surgery
Shoulder tendon surgery, like any other surgery, may have complications. Some possible complications include the following:
- Bleeding
- infection
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Joint pain and weakness may not be relieved by surgery
- The shoulder may not regain full range of motion
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels in the surgical area, which eventually leads to weakness and numbness
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure
Care after shoulder tendon surgery
One week after surgery, you should start physical therapy. The physiotherapy program takes three to four months. It usually takes six to eight weeks for the tendon to attach to the bone and for healing to occur. Full recovery time varies depending on the size of the tear. For a small tear, the full recovery time is about four months, for a large tear, six months. For severe and massive tears, full recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Patients can often return to most activities after three months, but vigorous exercise may be limited for four to six months. The purpose of rest is to achieve full range of motion and regain full arm strength
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