Rotator Cuff Tear
As one of the most used and most mobile joint, the shoulder is vulnerable to injuries such as rotator cuff tears. Visiting a Singapore shoulder surgeon promptly can help with obtaining an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment as early as possible before any worsening or complications arise.
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Anatomy and Function of the Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is composed of muscles and tendons that cover the shoulder joint. It attaches the head of the upper arm bone to the shallow socket of the shoulder, and allows lifting and moving the arms away from the body.
What Are the Causes of Rotator Cuff Injury?
Rotator cuff injuries in Singapore include general wear and tear, tendinitis, bursitis, tendon strain or tear (rotator cuff tear), or shoulder impingement. Rotator cuff injuries can either be acute (arising from a traumatic injury) or generative (developing over time).
What Are the Types of Rotator Cuff Tears?
In terms of a rotator cuff tear, there are two main types:
- Partial-thickness tear: The rotator cuff tendon is damaged but is not completely torn or severed.
- Full-thickness tear: This is characterised by soft tissue that has been torn into two pieces. Here, the tendons may also detach from the upper arm bone altogether.
What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
- Muscle weakness and pain when lifting or rotating the arms
- Pain when resting or sleeping on the side of the affected shoulder
- Crackling sensation when moving the arm
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How Is Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosed?
Shoulder clinics in Singapore usually perform the following tests to diagnose a rotator cuff tear:
- Physical examination: During this test, shoulder doctors in Singapore will check the shoulder for signs of tenderness and location and severity of pain. They will carefully move the arm into various positions to measure the range of motion. Muscle strength in the shoulders and arms will be assessed as well.
- Imaging tests (MRI, X-rays, and ultrasound):
Shoulder surgery clinics may use imaging tests to get a clearer look at the internal structures of the shoulder to confirm their diagnosis:
- X-rays: This test may not show a rotator cuff tear, but it can show bone spurs and other possible causes of pain, such as arthritis.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Radio and magnetic waves will be used to produce a detailed image of the shoulder’s soft tissues (tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage). This will inform the doctor if there is a rotator cuff tear, as well as its exact location and severity.
- Ultrasound scan: This test uses ultrasound waves to visualise the structure of the shoulder, such as its soft tissues, tendons, and muscles.
- Arthroscopy: A shoulder surgeon will create a small incision on the shoulder. This is where a specialised instrument (arthroscope) that has a camera attached, will be inserted. This camera will capture and project real-time images on a viewing monitor to allow the surgeon to better visualise the internal structure of the shoulder and make an accurate diagnosis.
Dr James Tan is skilled in the non-surgical and surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears.
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What Are the Non-Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears?
Rotator cuff tear treatments in Singapore can include surgical and non-surgical ones.
While rotator cuff tears generally do not completely heal on their own without surgery, non-surgical treatments can still help many patients reduce their pain and improve their function. In these cases, non-surgical management may involve:
- Rest and ice: Patients can apply ice to the affected part of their shoulder. This can reduce pain and inflammation. They should also rest the area, which means avoiding physically demanding activities that can trigger symptoms or worsen the injury.
- Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist will teach patients customised exercises and routines that will strengthen and condition the shoulder. By doing so, the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear will decrease.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed or bought over the counter to alleviate pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: This type of medication is injected into the shoulder to provide relief through the reduction of pain, swelling and inflammation.
What Are the Surgical Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tears?
In more severe cases where surgery is needed, the following are some types of Singapore shoulder surgeries that may be performed to repair the torn rotator cuff:
- Arthroscopic repair: During this minimally invasive procedure, the doctor will create a small incision on the shoulder joint. A small camera will be inserted through this incision, which will produce pictures of the inside of the rotator cuff, which are projected onto a viewing monitor in real-time. This helps to guide the surgeon in his movements using miniature surgical instruments during the operation.
- Open repair: This surgery is performed when patients have a large or complex tear. By creating a large incision on the shoulder, the shoulder surgeon will split the shoulder muscles to have a better view and access to the damaged tendon in order to repair it efficiently. In this procedure, reconstruction may sometimes be involved as well (e.g. tendon transfer).
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After having the necessary treatments, patients will usually need six weeks for their repaired rotator cuff tendons to heal. It will then take three months for the tendon to be firmly attached to the bone, and another nine months for the tendon to be totally healed. There is also physiotherapy, which can strengthen the muscles and prevent further damage.
What Are the Possible Risks of Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Rotator cuff surgeries in Singapore, as with all surgical procedures in general, may come with potential risks, such as:
- Tendon re-tear
- Nerve Injury
- Shoulder Infection
- Stiffness
However, the risk of complications occurring are very rare when in the hands of an experienced surgeon within a controlled medical setting.
Quantum Orthopaedics in Singapore offers comprehensive diagnostics and treatments for all kinds of orthopaedic injuries, including rotator cuff tears. We also provide rehabilitation and prevention of shoulder injury to help patients regain and maintain their individual and active lifestyle. For more information, call 8028 4572 today.
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Our goal is to relieve any pain and help you improve your quality of life. For more assistance, please call +65 8028 4572 or leave us a message
Camden Medical
1 Orchard Boulevard, #09-06Singapore 248649
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson RoadMedical Centre D #05-60Singapore 574623
Operating Hours
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Saturday : 8:30am - 12:30pm
Sunday & Public Holiday : Closed
