Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment and Arthroscopic Repair in Mumbai
with Dr. Aditya Pawaskar, Consultant Arthroscopic Surgeon and Sports Injury Specialist in Mumbai
Common Repairable Tears and Standard Treatment Options
This page focuses on common partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears, initial non-surgical care and standard arthroscopic tendon repair when a tear is repairable.
Rotator cuff tears affect one or more tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder. Common partial or full-thickness tears may be treated with activity modification, physiotherapy, medication or arthroscopic repair depending on symptoms, tear size, tissue quality and functional goals.
Related Tendon Inflammation:
Rotator cuff tendonitis, also known as impingement syndrome, occurs when the tendons become inflamed due to repetitive overhead arm movements or aging. This inflammation can cause pain and limited range of motion.
Symptoms:
- Pain : Typically felt at the front or side of the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or sleeping on the affected side.
- Weakness : Difficulty lifting objects or performing overhead movements.
- Limited Range of Motion : Reduced ability to move the shoulder through its full range.
Common Partial and Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears:
A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the tendons tear, either partially or completely, due to injury, overuse, or degeneration. Tears can be small or large and may require surgical repair for optimal recovery.
Standard Arthroscopic Repair for Repairable Tears:
Arthroscopic Repair : Minimally invasive surgery using a small camera and specialized instruments to repair the torn tendon(s).
When a tear is massive and cannot be repaired directly because of retraction or poor tendon quality, read about superior capsular reconstruction for irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Sports Prone to Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, Tear and Repair and Injury Risks:
Rotator cuff tendonitis, tears, and repairs are often associated with sports that involve repetitive overhead motions, heavy use of the shoulder, and potential for shoulder impact. In India, the following sports may be linked to a higher risk of rotator cuff issues:
- Cricket: Fast bowlers and players involved in frequent throwing actions may be susceptible to rotator cuff injuries.
- Badminton:The repetitive overhead motions in badminton, especially during serves and smashes, can contribute to rotator cuff problems.
- Tennis: The repeated overhead serving and strokes in tennis may lead to rotator cuff issues.
- Volleyball: Frequent overhead hitting and serving in volleyball may increase the risk of rotator cuff tendonitis and tears.
- Swimming: The repetitive arm movements in competitive swimming, particularly in strokes like freestyle and butterfly, may contribute to rotator cuff injuries.
- Weightlifting: Heavy lifting and repetitive shoulder exercises in weightlifting can strain the rotator cuff, leading to tendonitis or tears.
- Basketball: Jumping, shooting, and potential for collisions in basketball may contribute to shoulder issues, including rotator cuff injuries.
- Gymnastics: The intense upper body movements and weight-bearing on the shoulders in gymnastics may pose a risk of rotator cuff problems.
- Throwball: Overhead throwing actions in throwball may increase the risk of rotator cuff tendonitis and tears.
- Wrestling: Wrestling, with its intense physical contact and potential for awkward falls, can contribute to shoulder problems, including rotator cuff issues.
Consult with Dr. Aditya Pawaskar, a Sports Medicine Specialist in Mumbai, to determine the most appropriate treatment for Knee & shoulder injuries based on individual cases and the latest medical advancements.
