Arthroscopic shoulder tenotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat tendon tears in the shoulder using fine surgical instruments and an arthroscopic device. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, and small surgical instruments and an endoscopic camera are inserted through some small incisions in the shoulder.
The laparoscopic procedure has several advantages over traditional open-wound surgery, including:
- Fewer side effects and pain: Because small incisions are used rather than a large cut in the skin, pain, and side effects are usually much less with laparoscopy.
- Shorter recovery time: In general, recovery time after laparoscopic surgery requires a shorter time compared to traditional surgery. Patients can return to routine activities faster.
- Avoid prominent scars: Because the incisions are small and closed with small stitches, the scars resulting from the procedure are usually fewer and less prominent.
The success of arthroscopic shoulder tenotomy depends on the size and location of the tear, the condition of the surrounding tissues, and the treatment method used. After the procedure, the patient should follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding rehabilitative exercises, rest, and wound care to aid in proper recovery.
Symptoms of shoulder tendon tear
Shoulder tendon rupture can cause a variety of symptoms that include the following:
- Acute pain: The patient may feel acute pain in the shoulder area at the time the shoulder tendon ruptures. The pain can be sudden and severe, and may increase with movement of the shoulder or when trying to use the affected arm.
- Loss of strength and movement: The patient may be unable to use the affected shoulder to full ability and strength. It can be difficult to raise or move the arm normally, and there may be general weakness in the shoulder.
- Swelling and bruising: A ruptured shoulder tendon may be accompanied by swelling in the affected area and the appearance of bruising in the shoulder and upper arm.
- Strong or tearing sound: In some cases, a strong sound accompanied by a tearing or tearing sound may be heard when an injury occurs and the tendon is torn.
- Difficulty with stability: The patient may feel unstable in the shoulder, as there may be abnormal movement or slippage in the joint.
If you believe that the shoulder tendon has been cut, it is recommended that you go to a doctor to evaluate the condition and conduct the necessary medical tests to confirm the diagnosis and direct appropriate treatment.
Reasons for tearing the shoulder tendon
Shoulder tendon rupture may occur for several reasons, including:
- Acute injury: Shoulder tendon rupture can occur due to an acute injury or accident, such as a fall on the shoulder or severe trauma to the shoulder. The tendon may rupture due to a large external force that puts excessive pressure on the shoulder.
- Repeated pressure on the shoulder: Shoulder tendon rupture can occur as a result of repeated use of the shoulder in certain movements or performing activities that require intense use of the shoulder, such as throwing a ball or lifting heavy weights. This repetitive use can wear down the bond and weaken the tendons, increasing the possibility of rupture.
- Aging: Aging can be a factor in causing a shoulder tendon tear. Over time, tendons can become affected by the natural wear and tear process and lose their strength and elasticity, increasing the likelihood of rupture.
- Chronic inflammation: Some conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the shoulder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to tendon damage and increase the possibility of a tear.
- Other factors: There may be other factors that increase the risk of shoulder tendon rupture, such as genetics that make the tendons less flexible and more susceptible to injury.
These are some common causes of shoulder tendon rupture, and finding out the specific cause requires medical evaluation by a specialist in orthopedics or shoulder surgery.
