Rotator cuff tear
A rotator cuff tear is a tear in the tendon sheet of the shoulder. This part of the shoulder provides the stability of the shoulder joint and the mobility of the arm.
Symptoms
A rotator cuff tear is usually the result of wear, aging tendons or a sudden event such as a fall. The main symptoms are the combination of pain and loss of strength. The pain is located in the upper arm and is usually present during forced movements of the shoulder. Usually you can perform outward and upward movements with clearly less strength.
Diagnosis
By testing out dexterity and strength, it is possible to examine which tendons of the "rotator cuff" are affected. Both your pain symptoms and the degree of residual strength are an important element in the evaluation. To examine the degree of wear and tear, X-rays are taken and an arthro-CT scan or arthro-NMR scan (MRI) is made.
Treatment
Depending on the size of the tear, it can be repaired via keyhole surgery or open surgery. During surgery, the tendons are reattached to the bones of the shoulder head using a bone anchor.
To go through life as pain-free as possible, it is important to follow an orthopaedic rehabilitation program after your surgery.
Departments
For more information, please visit the orthopaedics department.