Index
1. What is the rupture of the supraspinatus tendon?
2. What are its symptoms?
3. How is it diagnosed?
4. Causes of supraspinatus tendon rupture
5. Can it be prevented?
6. Treatment for supraspinatus tendon rupture
What is a supraspinatus tendon rupture?
A supraspinatus tendon rupture is a tear or rupture of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle, which is located in the back of the shoulder.
What are its symptoms?
Symptoms of a supraspinatus tendon rupture are:
- Pain when you raise and lower your arm
- Pain when lying on the injured shoulder.
- Shoulder stiffness
- Limited range of motion
Usually, a tear caused by an injury results in severe pain and an immediate feeling of weakness in the arm. In cases of degenerative rupture, the pain is initially mild and gradually increases over time. If you experience the above symptoms, it is important to consult a physician. Without treatment, shoulder rotator cuff injuries can cause loss of motion or a feeling of weakness.
A tear caused by an injury results in severe pain and an immediate feeling of weakness in the shoulder.
and an immediate feeling of weakness in the arm.
How is it diagnosed?
A clinical diagnosis of your shoulder will include questions about how long you have had pain, whether there are certain movements that make the pain worse, and whether you have had similar problems in the past. It can be difficult to diagnose a supraspinatus tendon rupture as there are many other conditions that have similar symptoms, which can be other types of shoulder tears in the rotator cuff, SLAP lesion or inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. In addition to a test, the specialist may recommend:
- X-rays: to rule out conditions such as sclerosis.
- Ultrasound: To instantly see the tendons in your shoulder and compare them to those in the other shoulder.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To show the tendon and detect any tears or inflammation.
Causes of supraspinatus tendon rupture.
It can be caused by lifting something too heavy, falling on your arm, or dislocating your shoulder. However, most cases are the result of wear and tear of the tendon over time, known as a degenerative tear. You are quite likely to be at risk for a supraspinatus tendon rupture if:
- If you are over 40 years old.
- If you lift heavy objects or weights on a regular basis.
- If you do jobs that involve lifting your arms, such as painting, plumbing and carpentry.
- If you play sports such as tennis or cricket.
Can a supraspinatus tendon rupture be prevented?
Daily shoulder exercises can strengthen your shoulder muscles and help prevent future injuries. A physical therapist can advise you which exercises will strengthen the back of the shoulder, as well as other parts of the shoulder itself.
Treatment for Supraspinatus Tendon Rupture
A supraspinatus tendon rupture can be treated with medication, physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery:
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling in the shoulder.
- Physical therapy involves advice on what exercises to perform that will restore flexibility and strength to your shoulder. It is a common type of treatment, both for minor shoulder injuries and for patients recovering from shoulder surgery.
- Steroid injections are sometimes recommended for short-term pain relief if medication does not produce any relief.
- Surgery may be considered if the tendon is severely torn and unlikely to heal on its own. Surgery involves reattaching the tendon back into place, or transferring a nearby tendon to replace the damaged one. In extreme cases, surgery may involve replacing the shoulder joint.