Orthopaedic Surgery for Shoulder, Knee and Sports Injuries in the Midlands
Mark Hamlet FRCS (Orth)
Shoulder knee and sports injuries specialist
​Tel: 01543  481929
  • Home Page
  • About Mr Hamlet
  • Finding the clinic
    • The Burton Clinic
    • Little Aston
  • Hospitals and Anaesthetists
    • The Burton Clinic
    • Little Aston Hospital
    • Derby Nuffield
    • TJ Bhatti
    • Ed Briggs
  • Shoulder Problems
    • Painful Shoulder >
      • Frozen Shoulder
      • Rotator Cuff Injuries >
        • Rotator Cuff Repair
        • Shoulder Decompression
      • Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries
      • Shoulder dislocation
    • The Arthritic shoulder >
      • Reverse Polarity Shoulder
      • Shoulder Replacement
      • A Patients experience of a short stem total shoulder replacement
    • Fractures around the shoulder
    • Biceps rupture
    • Steroid Injections
    • AAOS Patient information
    • Time off Work
    • Book an Appointment
    • Physiotherapy
  • Knee Problems
    • Knee Arthroscopy >
      • Cartilage (meniscal) Tears
      • ACL Reconstruction
    • Total Knee Replacement
    • Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
    • AAOS Patient Information
    • Time off Work
    • Book an Appointment
  • Contact Us
  • FAQs
    • Initial Consultation
    • Booking Surgery
    • After Surgery
    • When can I fly?
  • Operation Animations
  • Sports injuries
  • Hand Problems
    • Carpal Tunnel Decompression
    • Trigger finger
    • Wrist Fractures

Rotator Cuff Tears


Pain felt over the side of the shoulder (deltoid) usually comes from a problem with the rotator cuff. Initially this is most often inflammation of the tendon as it rubs against the bone ( rotator cuff impingement )

Presenting signs
Pain over lateral deltoid region, especially as the arm is lifted out to the side, but often improving as the arm goes high above the head ( painful arc)

Pain is often worse at night causing difficulty sleeping.

Initial treatment
This is aimed at relieving the pain and restoring normal shoulder movements and function.
1.Simple analgaesics such as Paracetomol and Ibuprofen (check for suitability with your doctor ) can help with the pain
Most people assume a shrugged posture due to the pain. This worsens and prolongs the problems and must be corrected.
2.Physiotherapy can be extremely useful for posture correction at this stage
3. If problems persist then an injection of steroid for pain relief with further physiotherapy may suffice
Surgical Treatment
If the treatment so far has not relieved the pain then a referral to a shoulder surgeon for discussion of surgical options is advised.
These include a sub- acromial decompression or a rotator cuff repair

Rotator cuff repairs
It is important to stress that not all rotator cuff repairs need surgical repair. Many people have cuff tears that they are unaware of and continue to have excellent function, others can manage well after a sub acromial decompression only
If the tear is substantial then an arthroscopic ( keyhole) repair may improve pain and function.
A substantial period of recovery is required with several months of physiotherapy and up to a year and a half before full recovery.
If the tear is massive then repair may not be feasible. In such cases a special type of joint replacement called a reverse polarity shoulder replacement may allow return of function and comfort
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.