The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their associated tendons that surround the head of the upper arm bone (humerus). It plays an important role in stabilising the shoulder joint and enabling shoulder movement.
Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain. They may develop as a result of sports activities, repetitive overhead work or an acute injury. With increasing age, degenerative changes may also weaken the tendons and lead to a spontaneous tear.
When the rotator cuff is injured, the affected muscles may no longer be able to stabilise the shoulder joint effectively. This can result in shoulder pain, reduced muscle strength and restricted shoulder movement.
The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the size and type of the tear, the patient’s age and the severity of the symptoms.
In some cases, conservative treatment may be recommended initially. This may include avoiding movements that aggravate the pain, personalised physiotherapy, pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment, and where appropriate, injection therapy.
If conservative treatment does not provide adequate improvement, or in cases of larger or traumatic tears accompanied by significant loss of muscle strength, surgical treatment may become necessary.
The aim of surgery is to repair the torn tendon. The procedure can be performed using arthroscopic techniques, in which the torn tendon is reattached to its original insertion site using specialised anchors and strong sutures.
Following surgery, the temporary use of a shoulder immobiliser may be required. Rehabilitation is an essential part of recovery and involves a gradually progressive physiotherapy programme. Initially, the focus is on restoring range of motion, followed by strengthening the affected muscles.