Rotator cuff

The rotator cuff, also called the rotator cuff muscle group, is the name for a group of muscles in the shoulder. The shoulder’s rotator cuff consists of the joint capsule and muscle tendons that form a structural and functional “sleeve” around the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears occur in younger people after falls or actual injuries. Age-related changes are common, and tears can occur here with minor injuries or strain.

Rotator cuff injuries cause pain and difficulty lifting the arm. Some people have limited symptoms, while others experience pain and have difficulty, for example, lifting the arm out to the side or rotating it outwards.

Normally, most people will be seen in the emergency department or by their own doctor, and treatment will often be to wait and see. If you experience continued symptoms after 1–3 months, you should be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon.

Symptoms

You will experience the following symptoms with a rotator cuff tear (lesion)

• Pain
• Difficulty lifting the arm above shoulder level

Examination

The consultant must determine whether it is an injury or an overuse condition. The consultant will perform a thorough clinical examination of the shoulder. It will often be necessary to perform an ultrasound scan and possibly an MRI scan.

Treatment

In the vast majority of cases, conservative treatment with physiotherapy, NSAID medication and nerve block treatment will be tried.

In younger (under 60 years) and active people, particularly those active in sports, surgery will usually be chosen. The operation is performed by keyhole surgery and consists of removing parts of the acromion (bone tissue) and possibly suturing the tear together so that the function of the shoulder is restored.

Safe and rapid assessment

At CPH Privathospital we have specialists in shoulder surgery. They use only the most gentle techniques, which result in less pain after the operation, smaller scars, faster rehabilitation and better results. Contact us today for rapid assessment.

Our consultant specialists are ready to help you, so you can quickly receive the correct diagnosis, whether you are a private patient, have health insurance or come through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant specialist throughout the entire pathway.