Rotator Cuff Syndrome

It is the injury, impingement, or tearing of the 4 ligaments (tendons) that wrap around the upper part of the arm bone (humerus) like a cuff, keeping the shoulder stable in its socket and allowing the arm to be lifted/rotated.

The tendon has not completely torn yet. When we lift our shoulder, these tendons get pinched and rub under the collarbone, which forms the roof of the shoulder. Constant friction causes edema, and if left untreated, it eventually leads to the complete rupture (tear) of the tendon.

It is an aching pain radiating from the outer side of the shoulder down to the arm. Its most typical symptom is NIGHT PAIN; the patient absolutely cannot sleep on their shoulder. They have difficulty raising their arm above their head (e.g., when taking something from a shelf) and encounter painful resistance when opening their arm to the side.

The orthopedic specialist performs strength/resistance tests by rotating the patient's arm in various directions. A Shoulder MRI (Magnetic Resonance) is taken to clearly see the edema in the muscles, the impingement, and the percentage of the tendon tear (or complete rupture).

Incomplete (partial) tears or impingements are treated non-surgically. Rest, physical therapy, and intra-articular Cortisone or PRP (Stem Cell) Injections resolve the edema and heal the tendon.
Surgical Treatment: If the tendon is completely torn from the bone, it will not reattach with medication. Through Shoulder Arthroscopy (Minimally Invasive Surgery), the shoulder is accessed with a camera through 3 small holes. The bony roof causing the impingement is shaved and widened, and the torn tendon is sutured back to the bone using special titanium anchors.