Shoulder Tendon Tears

Shoulder tendon tears can be caused by overuse, accidents, impingement syndromes, or tendon wear and tear.

Video: Tendon repair | Shoulder

When is surgery needed?

Smooth functioning of all involved tendons is necessary for the complex and extensive range of motion of the shoulder joint. The failure of a tendon in the shoulder joint leads to improper loading and associated pain. Shoulder tendon tears generally require surgical treatment. Exceptions include tears of the long biceps tendon or chronic tears.

What happens during surgery?

In the event of a tendon tear, the affected tendons are repaired or reattached to the humerus using minimally invasive techniques (arthroscopy). If suturing the shoulder joint tendons is no longer possible and significant symptoms persist, other surgical procedures such as muscle transfer surgery or partial or total shoulder joint replacement are available.

Aftercare

Following such surgery, immobilisation in a sling is required for 4–6 weeks. Shoulder function is subsequently restored through physiotherapy and an individualised rehabilitation programme. During the period of immobilisation, desk-based work is only possible to a limited extent. Patients performing physical work should expect to be unable to work for 2 to 6 months.