Shoulder surgery
Why would shoulder surgery be needed?
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in your upper arm that assists with the mobility of your shoulder. Particularly, this collection of tissues ensures that you can rotate your arm. The tendons and muscles of the rotator cuff are the most commonly injured parts of the shoulder. Shoulder surgery is needed to repair severe rotator cuff tears, and that can restrict the mobility of your arm as well as cause pain and discomfort.
Rotator cuff injuries are generally characterised by:
- Dull pain in the shoulder and arm
- Weakness in the arm
- Difficulty rotating the arm upward
Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by trauma to the shoulder during strenuous physical exercise. The muscles and tendons can also degenerate over time due to wear and tear associated with regular lifting in industrial work environments. If left untreated, rotator cuff injuries can reduce the mobility and strength of the shoulder.
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How is it done?
Dr Oosthuizen can perform open shoulder surgery to repair severe tears of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff. During this procedure, Dr Oosthuizen will make a large incision in the shoulder to access the damaged tendons. He will then work to stitch the tears and reattach the tendons to the bones in the shoulder. Patients are usually under general anaesthetic during shoulder surgery because the procedure involves an open incision. The procedure, however, can also be performed arthroscopically in some cases.
What can be expected after surgery?
After shoulder surgery is complete, you will have to wear a sling or brace to prevent movement in your arm for several weeks. Dr Oosthuizen will prescribe pain medication to help you manage discomfort during this process too. After a month, you will need to start physical therapy exercises to improve mobility in your arm. A full recovery is expected at least six months after shoulder surgery.
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Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours. Open surgery takes longer depending on the extent of the damage to the shoulder.
A rotator cuff tear can heal on its own; however, small shoulder injuries may be healed or treated with rest, physical therapy, steroid injections and other conservative treatment.
A seat belt may be worn following shoulder surgery. You just have to be mindful of your operative shoulder.
