Orthopaedics – Surgeries – Treatment
Shoulder Condition Treatment
Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff of the shoulder consists of four tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) that allow lifting and rotating movements of the arm. A rotator cuff tear can result from trauma or chronic degeneration, particularly in older age. Tears cause pain, limited mobility, and weakness, restricting daily activities.
Diagnosis is made through clinical examination, X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI. If the tear is partial and the pain is managed with medication, conservative treatment may be chosen, which includes rest, physiotherapy, and protecting the shoulder from abrupt movements. In more severe cases or in younger patients with high functional demands, surgical repair is preferred.
Arthroscopic Procedure
Surgical repair is applied to complete tears and is performed arthroscopically, restoring the tendon using specialized sutures and anchors. The surgery is performed promptly to prevent tendon retraction and yields excellent results, with pain reduction or elimination in 90% of cases.
Rehabilitation
Recovery is gradual and spans several months. For the first 4–6 weeks, the shoulder is immobilized (sling use), and movements are limited to passive ones. From the 6th week, active movements begin, and strengthening starts after the 12th week. Full loading and complete recovery are achieved within 4–6 months, when the tendon regains full healing.
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