The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint of the human body. Although the shoulder joint gained a wide range of motion after switching to a bipedal stance in the evolutionary process, the stabilization of the joint remained more dependent on the muscles surrounding it because it did not have sufficient bone coverage like the hip joint. Due to increasing age-related decrease in muscle quality and endurance or increased physical activity, the muscles around the shoulder become susceptible to tear or injury.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
There are 4 muscles around the shoulder that are responsible for making various movements of the arm (inward and outward rotation, arm lifting). These muscles are called rotator cuff muscles. Tears that develop in these muscles for various reasons are called rotator cuff tears.
Why do rotator cuff tears occur?
Increased physical activity, Due to the effects of factors such as genetic factors, accompanying diseases, weakening of muscle tissue due to advanced age, engaging in overhead sports, accidents and falls, the shoulder rotator cuff muscles are strained and tears occur.
What symptoms do rotator cuff tears cause?
Patients experience increased pain around the shoulder, difficulty in turning the arm in or out, inability to lift the arm, pain that increases at night, personal care. He/she presents with complaints such as difficulty in performing exercises.
How are these tears diagnosed?
Clarifying the diagnosis Quality MRI helps the doctor to plan and treatment.
What are the treatment options for rotator cuff tear?
The treatment plan varies depending on the size and location of the tear, the thickness of the torn muscle, the age and physical activity status of the patient, as well as whether the tear is in the early or late stages. Taking all these into consideration, a treatment plan appropriate to the patient is preferred. Options such as physical therapy, injections, closed or open tear repair, and muscle transplantation are available.
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