Rotator Cuff Tear/Rotator Cuff Repair - What is it for

The shoulder joint is the most flexible joint in your body. This shoulder joint is surrounded by four muscles known as the rotator cuff. It allows movement of the arm in almost every direction such as in front, above, to the side, and behind your body. This flexibility makes your shoulder susceptible to instability and injury. When there is damage to any of the structures in the shoulder, movement becomes difficult and painful.

Rotator Cuff Tear/Rotator Cuff Repair - Symptoms

Shoulder pain
Night pain (when lying on the affected arm)
Weakness of the arm on the affected side
Reduced range-of-motion of the affected shoulder

Rotator Cuff Tear/Rotator Cuff Repair - How to prevent?

Some general rules to decrease shoulder strain with activities include:

Lifting objects close to body
Only lift weights and limit lifting to below shoulder level
Maintain good posture with writing, assembly work and other tasks by focusing on maintaining a tall spine, ribs down and shoulders down and back.

Rotator Cuff Tear/Rotator Cuff Repair - Causes and Risk Factors

Sports and occupations requiring overhead activity
Acute shoulder trauma (Falling on the affected arm,
Degeneration

Rotator Cuff Tear/Rotator Cuff Repair - Diagnosis

Physical examination
X-rays of the shoulder
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the shoulder
Ultrasound shoulder
CT Arthrography

Rotator Cuff Tear/Rotator Cuff Repair - Treatments

Non-surgical options

Initial treatment involves reducing pain by resting and avoiding aggravating activities.
Painkillers can be taken to help reduce pain.
Icing the affected shoulder may also relieve pain.
Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy with a physiotherapist

Surgical option

Based on your needs and severity, your surgeon may recommend surgery if non-surgical method fails to reduce your symptoms.

Rotator Cuff Tear/Rotator Cuff Repair - Preparing for surgery

Rotator Cuff Tear/Rotator Cuff Repair - Post-surgery care

Postoperative rehabilitation vary depending upon the extent of the injury and repair, the quality of tissue and surgeon’s preference.

Your surgeon may order for an Arm Sling or Master Sling for the operated shoulder after the surgery. You may be required to wear the Arm Sling or Master Sling as much as possible, even when you sleep. Discuss with your surgeon on the duration of this sling. Do not discontinue the use of the sling until directed by the doctor.

Please refer to “Orthopaedic Surgery information sheet” for other information regarding post-surgery care.