What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four important tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help lift, rotate and stabilise the arm during everyday activities and sports.
The supraspinatus tendon is the tendon most commonly affected by inflammation and tears.
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons become damaged or detach from the bone.
Rotator cuff tears may be:
- Tendinitis – inflammation without a tear
- Partial Thickness Tear – the tendon is only partly torn
- Full Thickness Tear – the tendon is completely torn from the bone
What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?
Common causes include:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Repetitive overhead activities
- Sports injuries
- Falls and trauma
- Heavy lifting
- Shoulder impingement
Rotator cuff tears become increasingly common after the age of 50 years.
Common Symptoms
Patients with rotator cuff tears commonly experience:
- Shoulder pain
- Pain while lifting the arm
- Weakness of the shoulder
- Difficulty combing hair or dressing
- Night pain disturbing sleep
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Clicking or grinding sensations
Pain may improve over time, but weakness often persists.
How is a Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually based on:
- Clinical examination
- X-rays
- MRI scan
- Ultrasound scan (selected cases)
MRI helps determine the size of the tear, tendon quality and whether the tendon has retracted from its normal attachment.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many patients improve without surgery.
Treatment options include:
- Activity modification
- Pain medication
- Ice or heat therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Shoulder strengthening exercises
- Steroid injection (selected cases)
Non-surgical treatment is particularly useful for small tears and older patients with minimal symptoms.
When is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery may be advised when:
- There is a full thickness tear
- Symptoms persist despite physiotherapy
- Pain affects sleep and daily activities
- Significant weakness develops
- The tear occurs following an injury
- MRI shows tendon retraction
Early repair generally produces better results, especially after acute injuries.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Dr. Anand Jadhav performs rotator cuff repairs using advanced arthroscopic (keyhole) techniques.
This involves repairing the torn tendon back to the bone using specialised anchors through small incisions.
Advantages of Arthroscopic Repair
- Tiny scars
- Less pain
- Minimal blood loss
- Short hospital stay
- Faster rehabilitation
- Excellent visualisation of the shoulder joint
Recovery After Surgery
Typical recovery milestones include:
- Sling support: 4-6 weeks
- Daily activities: 6-8 weeks
- Improved shoulder movement: 3-4 months
- Return to sports: 6-9 months
Recovery after rotator cuff repair requires patience and a structured physiotherapy programme.
Why Early Treatment Matters?
Delaying treatment in suitable patients may result in:
- Tendon retraction
- Muscle wasting
- Fatty degeneration
- Irreparable tears
- Shoulder arthritis (Cuff Tear Arthropathy)
In advanced cases, more complex procedures such as tendon transfer, superior capsular reconstruction or reverse shoulder replacement may become necessary.
Why Choose Dr. Anand Jadhav?
Dr. Anand Jadhav has over 30 years of orthopaedic experience and has received advanced training in shoulder arthroscopy in the UK, Europe and USA.
His expertise includes:
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Instability Surgery
- Frozen Shoulder Surgery
- Sports Injuries
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Dr. Jadhav’s treatment philosophy focuses on restoring shoulder function, reducing pain and enabling patients to return to active lifestyles as quickly and safely as possible.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form