There are 4 rotator cuff muscles that play a key role in performing shoulder movements in a healthy way. In the body, tears appear most often in these muscles. Tears are caused by the wide variety of shoulder joint movements, the frequent exposure to strain, and the changes in the anatomical structure of the muscles and this region with aging. Especially with age, the anatomical structure in the region of the scapula above this muscle group can create bone extensions in some people, compressing the muscles and causing them to rupture in the long term. This muscle compression in the long term disrupts the structure of the muscles and causes wear and erosion in the muscles. This wear can lead to muscle tears after sudden strain or prolonged activity.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS VERY IMPORTANT
The degree of shoulder tear is determined by examination and MRI of the shoulder. At this point, patients who feel pain in their shoulder or have limited range of motion should consult an orthopedic and traumatology physician. Because, if the muscle wear or compression phase can be detected before it turns into a tear or when it is at the level of a slight tear, it is possible to treat the problem simply before it grows. At this point, a certain period of movement restriction and drug therapy should be given first. Depending on the response, physical therapy or PRP (popularly known as stem cell therapy) injection can be tried in order to balance the wear on the shoulder.
FOR ADVANCED SHOULDER TEARS…
If the size of the tear has turned into an advanced tear called a full-thickness tear, it is beneficial to perform a surgical procedure without wasting time. Because unrepaired tears do not have the potential to heal, and in the long run, they will increase both the patient’s shoulder pain and shoulder movement limitation. On the other hand, some patients do not understand the seriousness of the situation adequately and do not accept treatment, especially surgical treatment, in full-thickness tears. Patients in this situation are faced with larger surgical procedures in the future and they need to know that the efficiency of the treatments has decreased seriously.
UNTREATED SHOULDER RAYS CAUSE DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
Untreated full-thickness tears make it difficult to repair due to the shortening of the ruptured muscles over time. In addition, untreated full-thickness tears force the other 3 muscles in the rotator cuff, causing them to rupture as well and can turn into massive tears that cannot be repaired. In these patients, it may be necessary to apply much larger surgeries such as shoulder prosthesis or muscle transplants in the treatment. It should not be forgotten that early diagnosis and treatment are of vital importance in terms of shoulder health and mobility of the patient, and to not miss the chance of early diagnosis and treatment, and if necessary, to apply the surgical method without losing time.