Tendon tears of the rotator cuff

Surgery is recommended if conservative treatments such as physiotherapy or pain therapy do not bring sufficient improvement. As each tendon fulfils an important function, their failure often leads to incorrect strain and further damage. Only in certain cases, such as in very old patients or in the case of tears in the long biceps tendon, can surgery be avoided.

The procedure is usually minimally invasive and is performed as part of an arthroscopy. The affected tendons are reattached to the humerus or smoothed out using special instruments. If suturing is no longer possible, muscle repositioning surgery or a partial or complete joint replacement can be performed instead.

Immediately after the procedure, a period of immobilisation is required to relieve the joint and support healing. This is followed by individually tailored physiotherapy to gradually restore mobility and strength to the shoulder. In the initial phase, the return to certain activities may be restricted, while more physically demanding work can be resumed later depending on the healing process.

In the video, we show how tendon tears in the shoulder are diagnosed and treated. You will see how the procedure is performed, which technique is used and how the subsequent aftercare is organised.