Shoulder Tendon Tear
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is the Rotator Cuff (Shoulder Tendons)?
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that contribute to the smooth movement and function of the shoulder. Injury or tearing of the rotator cuff tendons is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
What Causes It? What Are the Causes of a Shoulder Tendon Tear?
A rotator cuff tear may occur either following an acute injury (such as a fall onto the shoulder) or as a result of repeated microtrauma in patients who frequently lift weights (at work or during sports activities).
In addition, chronic shoulder tendinitis may place strain on the tendon, which can eventually tear.
Symptoms of a Shoulder Tendon Tear
Patients may experience the following symptoms:
Pain on the front or outer aspect of the shoulder. The pain may radiate as far as the elbow, as well as to the neck and back.
Night pain that wakes the patient, especially if they sleep on the affected shoulder.
Severe and persistent pain even when the shoulder is not moving.
Weakness of the upper limb
The patient cannot easily raise the arm fully (stiffness).
A grinding sensation when the shoulder moves.
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
A patient with a rotator cuff tendon tear requires assessment by a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. An X-ray will be required to confirm that the pain and stiffness are not due to osteoarthritis of the shoulder or other conditions (such as calcific tendinitis). Dr Leonidou will perform an ultrasound scan of the area to assess the integrity of the tendon and the possible presence of fluid and/or calcifications. In some cases, the doctor will refer you for an MRI scan of the shoulder to assess the location and size of the tear, any muscle atrophy, and the presence of other conditions. All these parameters determine the recommended treatment.
Doctor’s Interview on Shoulder Tendon Tear
Conservative Treatment of a Rotator Cuff Tendon Tear
The initial treatment in certain cases – mainly small, chronic tears – is conservative and includes the following:
Rest and activity modification
Ice therapy
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physiotherapy and a home exercise programme. The exercises aim to reduce pain and restore range of motion.
Cortisone injection alone or in combination with the use of autologous platelet-derived healing factors (PRP).
Indications for Surgical Treatment of a Rotator Cuff Tendon Tear
Failure of conservative treatment
Acute tendon tears
Large tendon tears
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatment fails, shoulder arthroscopy offers a definitive solution with excellent functional outcomes. Shoulder arthroscopy involves 3 incisions, each 4 millimetres long. Through these incisions, a camera with cold light and the necessary instruments are inserted into the shoulder. Dr Leonidou will clean the inflamed tissues above the tendon and remove any excess bone that is compressing the tendon (acromioplasty). He will then repair the tendon tear using special sutures that secure the tendon in its anatomical position. Hospitalisation is not required, and the patient is discharged from the hospital a few hours after the operation.
Watch the Arthroscopy – Video
Rehabilitation After Surgery for a Shoulder Tendon Tear
The patient returns home wearing a sling for a few weeks. The duration of sling use depends on the size and severity of the tear that was repaired. Postoperatively, a personalised rehabilitation protocol is followed by the physiotherapists of our team.
The detailed postoperative instructions significantly contribute to a proper recovery.
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How Successful Is the Surgery?
Arthroscopic treatment of a rotator cuff tear is a safe and bloodless procedure with extremely low complication rates and excellent functional outcomes.
What Is the Cost of the Operation – Surgery?
The cost is quite affordable and depends on the size of the tear and the special materials that need to be used. The cost of the procedure includes the arthroscopic materials, hospital stay expenses, and the surgical team’s fees. The patient’s public insurance fund (EOPYY) also contributes to the cost. Patients with private health insurance are covered according to the terms of their insurance policy. For more information, please contact us.
If you have a rotator cuff tendon tear of the shoulder, consult the specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad, including serving as a Director at a University Hospital, and specialises in shoulder arthroscopy.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.