Supraspinatus Tendon Surgery
If you're here, you're probably looking for information about supraspinatus tendon or rotator cuff surgery.
You may have experienced shoulder pain, limited movement or even received a medical diagnosis indicating the need for this procedure.
In this article, you will be guided through the process of supraspinatus tendon or rotator cuff surgery, covering what it is, when it is recommended, how it is performed, what to expect during recovery, the risks involved and the expected results. Let's start.
Table of Contents
What is supraspinatus tendon surgery?
Rotator cuff surgery, or supraspinatus tendon repair, is a medical procedure performed to repair injuries to the supraspinatus tendon, one of the four tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
These tendons play a crucial role in shoulder stabilization and mobility.
When injured, they can result in intense pain, weakness and limited movement of the upper limb.
When is supraspinatus tendon surgery recommended?
This surgery is often recommended in cases of:
- Serious Injuries: When the supraspinatus tendon suffers a significant tear due to an accident, fall or chronic wear and tear.
- Chronic tendonitis: When inflammation and chronic wear and tear affect the tendon, resulting in persistent pain and loss of function.
- Partial injuries: In some cases, partial tendon injuries may worsen over time, requiring surgical intervention.
Supraspinatus tendon operation procedure
Supraspinatus tendon surgery involves several steps:
- Anesthesia: Surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia to ensure that you do not feel pain during the procedure.
- Access to the tendon: The surgeon will make small incisions in the shoulder to access the joint. Through these small incisions or portals, a small camera is used to observe, diagnose and treat existing injuries.
- Tendon repair: If the tendon is partially torn, the surgeon can repair it by suturing the damaged area. In cases of complete tears, the tendon can be reinserted into the bone using small implants (anchors) that secure the tendon back to the appropriate location in the bone.
- Immobilization: After the surgery is completed, there is a period of immobilization, in which the tendon healing process is intended to take place. This period lasts 4 to 6 weeks. Then a rehabilitation process is necessary
Recovery after supraspinatus tendon surgery
Recovery from supraspinatus tendon surgery can vary from person to person, but generally includes:
- Immobilization : You will need to wear a brachial suspender or immobilizer for an initial period to protect your shoulder.
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy plays a vital role in recovery. It will help restore shoulder strength and mobility gradually.
- exercises at home: Your physiotherapist can prescribe exercises to do at home as your recovery progresses.
Possible Complications and Risks
Like any surgery, cuff/supraspinatus tendon surgery has some risks, including infection, scar formation, stiffness, and injury recurrence.
Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about its severity and frequency.
Expected results of supraspinatus tendon surgery
Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in range of motion after surgery on the caul tendons and in particular the supraspinatus.
Recovery time varies, but most people can return to normal activities after a period of 4 to 6 months of dedicated rehabilitation.
Conclusions
Supraspinatus tendon surgery is an effective intervention to treat painful and debilitating shoulder injuries.
If you suffer from shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with an injury to the supraspinatus tendon, Dr. Bárbara Campos is a specialist shoulder surgeon with many years of experience and a history of successful cases.
If you would like to know more about this procedure or schedule a consultation, please contact us via the website.
