Shoulder Tendon Repair-Rotator Cuff: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

The group of muscles and tendons form a cuff over the shoulder joint which is called a rotator cuff. The rotator cuff holds the arm in the joint that aids in the movement. When one or more tendon muscles become damaged, stiffness, rotator cuff pain, and soreness develop along with a decrease in mobility. Rotator cuff repair is a procedure that is used to repair the torn tendon and muscles in the shoulder which can be torn due to injury or overuse. The main goal of rotator cuff repair is to restore the flexibility and movement of the joint and to decrease the pain.

Reasons for rotator cuff repair

Injuries – Athletics and construction workers are mostly involved in the rotator cuff injury. Repetitive movement and overuse may cause tendon tears.

• Tear of rotator cuff
• Inflammation of the tendon
• Inflammation of the bursa

Advantages

• Causes less rotator cuff pain
• Requires less hospital stay
• Causes less complications
• Facilitates fast recovery

Types

Following are the types of shoulder tendon repair - rotator cuff

• Arthroscopy
• Open repair surgery
• Mini open repair surgery

The signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, which would typically lead to consideration of shoulder tendon repair surgery, include:

• Persistent pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting or lowering the arm.
• Weakness in the shoulder and arm, making it difficult to perform tasks that involve overhead movements or lifting.
• Limited Range of Motion
• Pain at Night that disturbs sleep, when lying on the affected shoulder.
• Crepitus or a crackling sensation when moving the shoulder.
• Muscle Atrophy: Gradual weakening and shrinking of the muscles around the shoulder joint, particularly noticeable in the upper arm.
• Trouble performing routine activities such as combing hair, reaching into a back pocket, or lifting objects.
• Shoulder Instability or the sensation that the shoulder may "pop out" of place.