3 easy steps to identify rotator cuff injury

3 easy steps to identify rotator cuff injury

Our shoulder joint is one of the most powerful joints as it is capable of lifting various objects and moving in multiple different directions. One of the most crucial parts of this joint is the rotator cuff as it helps in keeping the upper arm bone stable in the socket while moving it in different directions.

As this set of muscles is solely responsible to initiate the movement of the arm and maintain integrity, there is a high chance of rotator injuries due to overuse. This is the reason why athletes who are indulged in games like tennis, badminton, etc. are more prone to such injuries. Let’s discuss all the identification methods to check if the reason behind your shoulder pain is rotator cuff injury.

Rotator cuff injury- how it occurs?

A rotator cuff is a combination of 4 distinct tendons that starts from the humerus and runs along in the different segments of the joint to provide complete stability to the shoulder joint. Moreover, these tendons are tightly packed which leads to strength and stability. Whenever the shoulder tries to move beyond its limit, the tendons brushes with the bony structure called acromion or another tendon. This confrontation can lead to problems like rotator cuff injury.

A rotator cuff injury can be further divided into 3 categories:

  • Rotator cuff tendonitis:

It occurs when a tendon of the cuff is inflamed due to repetitive or overstretched movements

  • Shoulder bursitis:

This shoulder problem develops due to the spreading of the inflammation in the shoulder bursae which is responsible for the lubrication of the cuff tendons

  • Rotator Cuff tear

It is related to a tear of the rotator cuff tendon due to trauma or tendon weakness

How to identify shoulder pain as a rotator cuff injury?

  • Checking out the symptoms

Experiencing sudden shoulder weakness after injury

After lifting something heavy or getting a hit on the shoulder, the person may suffer from extreme pain and may feel weakness in the affected area.

Check for the origin & intensity of the pain

Try to gently move your arm in different directions and observe the intensity & epicenter of pain. In case of minor injury, the person will experience dull pain. Try performing some overhead movements for this analysis.

Observe if there is an unusual sound

Raise your arm and check whether there is any popping or cracking sound occurring from the shoulder joint as it is an indication of an internal injury.

Pain at night

Usually, rotator cuff injury leads to pain that worsens at night and may even lead to sleepless nights. So check for pain during the nights as well. If you are suffering from consistent pain, there is a high chance that the reason for the pain is rotator cuff injury.

  • Evaluating through various physical exams under medical supervision
  • Diagnostic tests for clarity on the source of shoulder pain

Your medical expert may suggest you undergo some tests like X-rays to check the cause and other associated things that may play an important role in planning the treatment & rehab plan.

Rotator cuff tears and its types- an in-depth guide

Rotator cuff tears and its types- an in-depth guide

The rotator cuff is one of the most important muscle groups present around the shoulder joint. It is the responsibility of this group to keep the humerus (upper arm bone) intact in the joint while moving the arm. As there is such a major task for this muscle group to handle, it is at high risk of getting injured resulting in rotator cuff tears. In such a situation, one must visit a shoulder specialist and get it treated in time. The treatment approach depends on the severity and type of injury. Let’s discuss the different types of rotator cuff tears and understand this shoulder problem in depth.

 

Rotator cuff- the anatomy

The rotator cuff comprises 4 different muscle-tendon units. These muscles originate from the shoulder blade and insert onto the arm bone. These muscles are:

  • Supraspinatus: This muscle is responsible to facilitate the first 15 degrees of raising the arm and later on the other muscles (deltoid and trapezius) takes over the responsibility of the movement.
  • Infraspinatus: This muscle helps in the external rotation of the arm (lateral aspect). It along with the subscapularis also helps in centralizing the shoulder joint.
  • Teres Minor: It is located just below the Infraspinatus and helps in the external rotation of the arm (lateral aspect).
  • Subscapularis: It is the strongest rotator cuff muscle and contributes to all types of shoulder movements. It connects the arm bone from the front.

 

The rotator cuff may give way at the following sites

(this classification is only meant for patient awareness)

  • Type A: This type of tear involves bone avulsion or tear of the tendon at the insertion site
  • Type B: Tendon bulk is involved in the tear
  • Type C: This type includes the involvement of the muscles
  • Type D: This type of rotator cuff dysfunction is caused due to muscle insufficiency

Type A Rotator Cuff tear

Although tendon or muscle is included in such a shoulder problem, the involvement of bone is also considered while planning the treatment process. Due to fractures, nonunion, or bone insufficiency, this shoulder problem can become more complicated and falls under this category. It can be further classified as A1, A2.

A1 covers acute bony involvement and arthroscopic approach or traditional methods are used to treat such injuries.

A2 indicates tuberosity nonunion that is generally a consequence of the failed treatment of A1 as the displacement of fracture may affect the length of the tendon and affects the functionality of the rotator cuff. For the treatment of such nonunion of proximal upper arm bone fracture, there are many surgical techniques. The selection of the treatment procedure depends on many factors like age, associated risks, etc.

Type B Rotator Cuff tear

This type of rotator cuff tear involves an injury in the tendon and be further divided into 4 grades- B1, B2, B3, and B4. The size of the tear plays a crucial role and the tear pattern is identified with the help of the involved components (muscles) of the rotator cuff. The tear patterns are:

  • Type A: Supraspinatus & superior subscapularis tear
  • Type B: Supraspinatus & complete subscapularis tear
  • Type C: Supraspinatus, superior subscapularis, & infraspinatus tear
  • Type D: Supraspinatus & infraspinatus tear
  • Type E: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor tear

B1 indicates a tear in the lateral section (tendon) of the muscle and B2 refers to a tendon tear that is medial to a lateral tendon (generally torn Supraspinatus connecting to infraspinatus). B3 signifies a Fosbury flop tear wherein prominent tendon flips and causes the gathering of fluids. This tendon further runs throughout the joint medially. B4 means tendon to acromion adhesion and is generally observed in the case of a major contracted rotator cuff tear.

Type C Rotator Cuff tear

This category includes rupture of musculotendinous intersection and can be observed in all 4 muscles present in the rotator cuff. There are different grades and define the intensity of the tear and these are:

  • Grade 1: muscular strain without any complications if treated well
  • Grade 2: partial tear without any tendon retraction
  • Grade 3: complete musculotendinous tear

Type D Rotator Cuff tear

It refers to muscle insufficiency and be divided into many sub-categories. D1 symbolizes muscle atrophy or fatty infiltration due to the muscle weakness and if left untreated, then can affect several tendons at a single time. D2 deals with neurological impairment and develops due to a series of shoulder problems. Sometimes a cyst developing in the body affects the muscular tissue of the shoulder joint and hence it falls in the category of D3.

So these were the types of rotator cuff tear and each condition requires a unique treatment plan. Hence, you should get medical help as soon as possible. If you are looking for an experienced rotator cuff repair surgeon in Gurgaon, then you can book an appointment with Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay. He tries his best to heal the shoulder problem as soon as possible by implementing the most effective treatment technique.

Here’s What You Can Expect After Rotator Cuff surgery.

Here’s What You Can Expect After Rotator Cuff surgery.

The rotator cuff is a ring/cable of tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder joint and helps in keeping the joints in position while moving it. It is the most delicate set of muscle-tendon units of the shoulder joint and hence repetitive movements, direct blow, or overstretching of the arm can lead to an injury to this cuff. Sometimes this injury can lead to a complete or partial rotator cuff tear and need surgical treatment. Let’s discuss on rotator cuff surgery process and things that you should expect after it.

Shoulder Arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair

It is a surgical technique that is used to treat numerous shoulder problems and is considered a better option than the traditional method. In arthroscopy, the surgeon makes small incisions near the shoulder joint and uses an arthroscope to get an inside view of the joint. An arthroscope is a small device that has a small camera attached to a thin pipe. After viewing the anatomy, the surgeon may use screws and sutures to repair the torn tendons and muscles.

What to expect after surgery?

After the surgery, the joint may become a little fragile and will need a well-planned rehabilitation plan for the conditioning of the joint. The duration of this rehab may vary from 4 months to 6 months and will consist of many different phrases.

  • Initial 3-6 weeks- keep the joint stable & protected

The focus in the initial period will be to maintain the functionality of the joint with stability.  For this, your medical expert may suggest you wear a sling throughout the day. It will help you to keep the joint protected and limit the movements that will in turn contribute to healing. Initially, the patient may experience some pain and swelling too. To get relief from this situation, you may be advised to follow ice therapy and take medications. Moreover, it is important to take care of your shoulder while sleeping. For this, you may try a shoulder support pillow, that will provide comfort to you and support to your joint. But as each case is unique, hence it is recommended to seek medical advice on sleeping position.

  • 6-12 weeks- maintain flexibility with Physical therapy

In this phase, the prime focus is to improve flexibility and the range of motion. Hence, Physical therapy sessions will be conducted that will include active as well as passive exercises. It will also help in reducing swelling and pain. But remember that you will need to avoid lifting extremely heavyweights in this duration.

  • 3-6 months- strengthen the muscles and joints

This phrase will include some intense exercises that will help in strengthening the joint and regaining full strength. Performing these exercises in a daily routine can be helpful in making the shoulder stronger.

It is suggested to abstain from driving a car for a long period in the first 12 weeks of the rehabilitation plan. Moreover, if you experience discomfort or anything unusual, then report to your doctor as soon as possible.

If you are looking for an experienced arthroscopic / shoulder surgeon in Gurgaon, then book an appointment with Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay. He is proficient in arthroscopy & advanced shoulder surgeries and has helped many patients in getting rid of the pain.

 

What makes rotator cuff tear different from impingement?

What makes rotator cuff tear different from impingement?

Most of the athletes and often non-athletes rely on their physical strength for various activities and tend to overuse their joints and muscles to outperform in the game or routine life. This tendency sometimes leads to a series of consequences and rotator cuff injuries is one of them. Do you know that the most common sports injury and cause of shoulder problem are rotator cuff injuries? Moreover, if these injuries are not treated well, then it can leave an impact on their sports career as well as regular daily activities. This is the reason that one should consult a specialist for adequate care and the right treatment. The prime challenge is to find the exact cause of shoulder pain as sometimes the symptoms of rotator cuff impingement seem to be similar to rotator cuff tear. Let’s discuss the difference to clear off the layer of confusion.

Understanding the anatomy

Shoulder joint constituents three bones termed as the clavicle, scapular bone, and humerus. But this ball and socket joint is not stable enough to perform the movements with grace. Many ligaments and muscles wrap this joint to provide stability and strength. The main ligaments present in this complex joint are named- Glenohumeral ligaments, Coracoacrmial arch, and Coracoclavicular & acromioclavicular ligaments. These ligaments keep the joint intact and maintain integrity. There are many muscles present in a shoulder joint and serve different purposes. The muscles are:

  • Rotator Cuff

These act as stabilizers for the joint and consist of 4 different muscles to form a cuff that is strong enough to hold the humeral head in its place during any shoulder movement. These muscles are:

  • Infraspinatus: helps in shoulder rotation and extend
  • Teres minor: assists in rotary movement
  • Supraspinatus: allows internal rotation
  • Subscapularis: helps in lifting the arm
  • Scapulothoracic muscles

These muscles connect the scapular bone to the axial skeleton. It comprises of rhomboids, trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles.

  • Biceps

The long head of the Biceps (one of the origins of the biceps muscle from inside the joint) assists to hold the joint in place and allow several movements like arm raising, elbow bending, etc.

  • Deltoid Muscles

These provide strength to the shoulder joint in various movements and comprise deltoid and pectoral muscles.

Digging into the difference between Rotator cuff impingement & tear

  • Rotator cuff impingement

It is a severe injury that can eventually lead to other shoulder problems. Although it is not a complete tear, but can’t be taken lightly as the tendons present near the shoulder joint are inflamed. So, whenever the bones come in contact with these swollen tendons, an intense pain stirs up in the body and progresses to further complications. The range of rotator cuff impingement goes from tendon inflammation to thickening & scarring of the bursa that is present in the affected region.

Causes:

The causes of this shoulder problem can be the following:

  • Wear & tear of muscles due to ageing
  • Repetitive movements
  • Traumatic injury to the shoulder
  • Overhead or overstretched arm movements

Symptoms:

  • Sharp pain that intensifies with overhead movements
  • Experiencing pain while:
  • Moving the hand behind the back
  • Raising the arm
  • Lying on the shoulder
  • Swinging the arms
  • Lifting the arms

 

  • Rotator Cuff Tear

It can be further classified into 2 types. These are:

  • Partial tear: only a segment of the muscle is torn
  • Complete tear: the entire muscle is torn and can even cause damage to the tendon

Causes:

It can be caused due to a direct or indirect blow on the shoulders or while lifting very heavy-weights. Continuous strain on the shoulders due to overuse and repetitive movements can also lead to this problem.

Symptoms:

Although the symptoms of this shoulder problem are similar to the rotator cuff impingement, there is a slight difference. The patient may experience some weakness along with pain or/and a popping sound during any shoulder movement.

One may feel the weakness while performing the following movements:

  • Raising the arm
  • Lifting objects above his shoulder level
  • Punching any object

The torn rotator cuff can lead to a dark life and needs immediate medical help. So don’t neglect the shoulder pain and get a diagnosis made under expert supervision. It will help you to know the exact cause and its severity so that the doctor can plan the treatment procedure accordingly.

If you are looking for an experienced shoulder surgeon in Gurgaon, consult Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay. He will try to heal the problem while following the most effective approach.

Homely ways of treating unstable shoulder

Homely ways of treating unstable shoulder

People are getting more aware of shoulder problems. One of the most common shoulder problems is shoulder instability and affects  the young and active population more when compared with other categories of the population.

Understanding about the shoulder joint & shoulder instability in depth

This ball and socket joint is complex, mobile and allows movement in 3 planes (frontal, sagittal, and transverse) along with rotational movement as well. It facilitates the movement of the arm in 360 degrees. The glenoid cavity is shallow when compared to the humeral head. Although many tissues and ligaments surround this glenohumeral joint for a stable and smooth functionality, but the joint capsule is somewhat lax. The range of motion of the shoulder joint is facilitated by  secondary movements from dynamic & synchronized articulation present at 4 different joints

  • Sternoclavicular
  • Glenohumeral
  • Scapulothoracic
  • Acromioclavicular

 

The medical condition that is known as ‘shoulder instability’ refers to the inability to sustain the ball of the joint intact in its socket. It happens due to the disruption of the integrity of the regular anatomy of the joint. You may feel like your shoulder is slipping from its location while moving the arm.

A well-planned exercise regimen can be useful in optimizing the functioning of your shoulder joint. But remember to consider an expert’s advice before starting this exercise program.

 

The 3-segment homely way for treating unstable shoulders

Segment 1: Exercises to prevent the popping out of the joint

The initial segment of the exercise program focuses on avoiding the popping out of the joint.

To perform such exercises, you may need help from others who can place their hands on the joint to maintain its placement. Try to move your arm slowly in different directions till the extent of not popping out of the place

Segment 2: Strengthen the rotator cuff & Deltoid

This segment of the reconditioning program focuses on the strengthening of the rotator cuff muscles by working against the resistance in the anterior-posterior rotation. It is crucial for your shoulder to have strength as well as endurance of internal & external rotation and hence should perform some exercises targeting the rotator cuff.

 

  1.  Hold your hands in front and pull the arm of the affected shoulder in towards the other side of the shoulder in the inward direction. Then move your arm in the outward direction slowly.
  2. Take an elastic band and fix it on a wall. Pull the band in inwards direction. Repeat it 3-5 times. Then hold the band in your hands in the front and try to stretch it as much possible. Repeat this movement 3-5 times.
  3. Take an object for weight like a small bottle filled with water and lie down. Hold the bottle in the affected arm and move your arm in the sideways direction. Repeat it for 5-8 times.

 

Segment 3: Train the scapular muscles

Usually, if your scapula is weak or loose, then it becomes unstable and the prime objective of this segment is to strengthen it and eliminate some problems that may have emerged due to lack of reconditioning and synchrony.

  1. Lie down straight and hold any object with your both hands and lift your hands straight up. Place your hands closer to each other and hold this posture for 5 seconds. Then repeat this exercise with a long object like a stick so that you can place your hands apart while holding it.
  2. Lie down and lift a small bottle filled with water at 90 degrees angle from your affected shoulder. Repeat this movement 5-8 times. Then, lie on a couch to elevate your back. Now perform the same movements so that your arm is lifted in more than 90 degrees. You can even perform it standing position.
  3. Take a bottle and lift it in the in-out direction slowly. Repeat it 8-10 times.
  4. Take an elastic band and place it under your foot of opposite side (it mean under left foot when performing the exercise with the right arm and vice-versa). Try to stretch the band by moving your arm in outwards direction.
  5. Do some cycling and aerobics every day to improve the endurance of your shoulder joint.

Moreover, never miss medical help and consult a shoulder specialist for the treatment of shoulder instability. In case if you are looking for a shoulder specialist in Gurgaon, then you can consult Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay. He has treated many complex shoulder problems with effectiveness.

 

Age factor on Shoulder Dislocation

Age factor on Shoulder Dislocation

All the joints have a significant purpose and hence everyone needs to cherish them. Our shoulders are on the same list and need our special care. Working or driving for too long in the same posture can lead to shoulder pain. Similarly, kids getting a bang on the shoulder while playing can cause a shoulder dislocation. This shoulder problem is quite common in all age groups. Let’s discuss the age factor related to shoulder dislocation.

How shoulder dislocation occurs?

If the rounded upper end of the arm bone shifts out of its socket in the shoulder blade (scapula), then this condition is called dislocation. It limits the range of motion and causes pain in the joint. The cup-shaped socket of the shoulder is shallow as compared to other ball and socket joints, making it more vulnerable to dislocation.

Shoulder Dislocation and young kids

The joints of the kids are tender and prone to problems like dislocation. Being a parent, you may be worried about potential grave injuries like fractures and shoulder dislocation. Hence, raising your kid  as an athlete means a higher risk of shoulder dislocation. Especially when we discuss about the older teens, a dislocation can lead to recurrent dislocation which can complicate the situation and raise a question if the surgery is the right way to treat the problem.

According to a study, teenagers who suffer from shoulder dislocation once may suffer from the same problem again within 2 years. In the case of boys, the probability rate of recurrence is 86% and for girls, this figure is 54%.

For kids, this shoulder problem can even affect their mental & emotional well being. Your kid may feel alone and depressed because of the inability to play again with his friend. Moreover, we can’t forget that the shoulder is the core area for the development of the arm.

Important signs that you should monitor

There are many signs that you should watch for as they indicate shoulder dislocation.

  • Extreme shoulder pain
  • If your child is using his other arm to support his injured arm to take off the pressure and weight.
  • Tingling sensation or numbness in the arms or hand

Moreover, there can be a possibility of Rotator cuff tear in the process of pulling off the arm bone from its socket or while reducing it; particularly in the ageing population. Such a shoulder problem can affect the healing process of shoulder dislocation. Thus, it should be examined thoroughly.

Shoulder Dislocation and elderly people

Although the incidence of shoulder dislocation is the same for people of any age group, injuries in elderly people are usually neglected or misdiagnosed and it may lead to further complications. As per a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there is a slight difference in the dislocation injuries between older and younger patients and recommends a through examining the older patient that can help in improving the process of diagnosis and management of interrelated injuries. According to the conclusion of this study, there is a need to understand the different ways of dislocation and how it can affect patients who are above 40 years of age and it is the first step in making a precise diagnosis of injuries that are related to dislocation.

Due to aging, the rotator cuff tissues tend to become weaker and more prone to injuries and hence older patients are more likely to suffer from injuries related to the rotator cuff.

Some facts related to this subject as per the study:

  • One in five shoulder dislocation patients is aged 60 or more.
  • 90% of patients who faced the problem of multiple dislocations were in their 20s and 30s.
  • In older patients, the occurrence of rotator cuff tears in shoulder dislocation ranges from 35%-86%.

Treatment of shoulder dislocation

As we discussed how age can play an important factor in the occurrence of shoulder dislocation, the treatment approach is different for every patient. It depends on the age and complexity. So if you ever experience shoulder pain, then ask for medical help as soon as possible.

You can even consult Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay, an experienced shoulder doctor in Gurgaon for the treatment of shoulder problems. He will try his level best to effectively heal your shoulder pain.

Problems faced during shoulder instability

Problems faced during shoulder instability

Shoulders are crucial joints and help in everyday activities. But shoulder problems can hamper our daily activities. Shoulder instability is the second most common problem after Rotator cuff tear. A patient suffering from shoulder instability may face difficulty in lifting the arm, throwing an object or even putting on clothes. So let’s discuss more shoulder instability and the problems associated with it.

Know more about the shoulder anatomy

The shoulder joint can be categorized as a ball and socket joint. It consists of the labrum (a type of fibrocartilage tissue) which supports in forming a suction cup for the humerus (arm bone), thus leading to stability and improved mobility of the joint. Ligaments bind the arm bone to the cup providing static stability. Rotator cuff and the muscles functioning to stabilize the Scapula and the arm bone on the scapula/cup facilitates in dynamic stability of the joint.

What does shoulder instability mean and what are its associated problems?

It is a condition wherein the structures near the shoulder joint don’t function properly and hold the ball of the joint firmly with the socket. When the joint is loose, then this condition is known as subluxation and if the joint comes out entirely from the place, then this medical condition is known as shoulder dislocation and it is an advanced stage of shoulder instability.

Another problem attached to shoulder instability is Superior Labrum anterior-posterior lesion which can be abbreviated as SLAP lesion. It develops in a situation when the arm is compellingly moved in a  direction that it tears the biceps tendons and Labrum cartilage from the socket in an anterior-posterior direction.

A tear on the anterior-inferior or posterior-inferior portion of the Labrum along with an anterior or posterior dislocation can lead to the development of Bankart lesion or reverse bankart lesion. It is usually observed in recurrent dislocation.

Patients who suffer from such medical problem often complain about the sensation of discomfort and shifting of the joint from its destined location. These feelings are termed as apprehension by medical experts.

Causes of shoulder instability

People who have suffered from shoulder dislocation are at a higher risk of developing chronic instability. If their ligaments get torn or heal too slackly, then it may lead to recurrent dislocation.

People who are involved in repetitive overhead activities along with some inhehert dysfunction of the tissues and muscle coordination may face the problem of multidirectional shoulder instability (abbreviated as MDI) or loosening of the joint.

Most of the athletes such as swimmers, basketball players, baseball/cricket pitchers, volleyball players, etc. overstretch their arms while playing and hence are at a higher risk of developing chronic shoulder instability. Moreover, people involved in professions like painting are also prone to this shoulder problem.

Usually, people with any connective tissue disorder have loose joints. So if the connective tissues present near the shoulder joint are weak or degenerated, then this will lead to a loose shoulder joint and it can cause joint laxity or double-jointedness. Eventually, it can become a cause for shoulder instability.

The treatment approach for healing such problems depend on the severity of the shoulder instability. You should seek medical help for a better clarification. You can contact Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay, an experienced shoulder doctor in Gurgaon for help. He will try his best to cure your shoulder problem as soon as possible.

All About Shoulder Instability

All About Shoulder Instability

The human body is unique and enables us to do different types of movements like running, swimming & climbing, handstand,  rotating our shoulder, hanging off things. Our shoulders are designed in such a way to maximize our movements in various directions and to make the wide range of movements possible the shoulder joint has a small & shallow socket and big ball making it prone to dislocations.

  • Reasons for Shoulder Instability:

An acute dislocation often follows an injury that causes the shoulder to pop out from its normal position. The injury is significantly painful and makes any movement painful. The only solution is to relocate the shoulder back to its normal position. It is generally achieved by maneuvering the joint to put the ball back into the socket.  It’s highly recommended to get professional assistance to minimize the complications.

An episode of dislocation causes

  • The labrum to get torn away from the bone.
  • The ligaments and the capsule get stretched.

These changes predispose the joint to further dislocations.

The right treatment is important to avoid multiple episodes of dislocation that may occur during normal day to day activities.

shoulder specialist in Gurgaon

  • Types of Treatment:

It depends upon the type of dislocation. The advancement in medical knowledge provides better options to choose between. various advanced investigations when required allows for better planning and prognosticating the patients. this makes the patients better aware of the conditions and allows them to make an informed decision with regards to the treatment of the condition.

Shoulder dislocation may be treated by

  • Surgical treatment
  • Conservative treatment

It still remains one of the most crucial topics by comparing immediate or delayed surgery or non-surgical treatment.

The surgical treatment is advised for the younger and active people like athletes, and people around the age group of 20-45, while elderly patients may be offered a non-surgical treatment provided there is no other significant tissue tear.

  • Tips to keep shoulder healthy:

There are many ways you can keep yourself active, daily exercise will definitely reduce the chances of injury. Make sure you get professional assistance before starting any kind of exercise on your own.

Proper training is important for athletes, and gymnast,s and other people in contact sports or other forms of performing arts to build better strength and flexibility.

The training phases include:

  • Shoulder mobility:
  • Shoulder Strengthing:

Shoulder strengthening includes strengthening the shoulder blade muscles, the rotator cuff and the deltoid muscle. Two forms of strengthening are

  • Eccentric strengthening
  • Concentric strengthening

It is important to know the correct way of doing these exercises and also to know when to do which exercise. Professional guidance and supervision is advisable.

If you are looking for a trusted and experienced shoulder specialist in Gurgaon, then you may consult Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay. He has many years of experience in treating shoulder problems and will try his best to help you in getting rid of shoulder pain.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty treatment and what to expect

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty treatment and what to expect

The shoulder is a complicated joint and any injury or problem in this joint can hamper your day-to-day activities. With the evolution of technology in the field of medical science, many treatment procedures are introduced in this sector to treat shoulder problems and help patients regain good functionality. One such treatment method is Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. Let’s discuss more on this topic here.

What is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty?

Shoulder replacement can be a great option to treat arthritis but the case is not the same with large Rotator cuff tears. The rotator cuff may also become non-functional in long term arthritic shoulders. In such cases, Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty is an effective surgical treatment procedure and can improve the range of motion as it uses different muscles to move the arm.

Usually, in a shoulder replacement surgery, the surgeon tries to recreate the actual anatomy of the shoulder with the help of the implants. Herein, a cup is fixed in the shoulder socket. Furthermore, a metal ball is attached to the humerus. On the other hand, in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, the placement of the cup and the ball is switched and hence “reverse” word is added in the name.

The prime advantage of this treatment procedure is the fact that the centre of rotation is stimulated inferiorly and is medialized. It allows the deltoid muscle to align and sync with a longer fulcrum and provides more mechanical advantages for damaged rotator cuff muscles. Furthermore, it enhances shoulder abduction.

When do you need reverse total shoulder arthroplasty?

  • In case suffering from Cuff tear arthropathy, antero-superior escape, or pseudoparalysis,
  • Experiencing shoulder dislocation, severe rotator cuff tear
  • Failed shoulder replacement surgery
  • A complex fracture (proximal humerus fracture)
  • No response of the body on the non-surgical treatment procedure
  • Presence of a tumour in the joint

 

What should you expect?

This surgical process will be performed like other shoulder surgeries by making some incisions and implanting some man-made components to get back the shoulder mobility. The complete procedure may take around 1-2 hours. Usually, a patient is able to move his elbow and wrist soon (next day).

Your shoulder pain will not vanish suddenly after surgery and you need to follow a rehab plan for complete recovery.  After the surgery, you may experience a relief in pain but have to work on the mobility and strengthening of the tissues. There may be some preventive measures that your surgeon will recommend you to follow.  Moreover, you may be advised to take some sessions of physical therapy. So before going for the surgery, you should discuss the complete rehabilitation pan and timeline with your medical expert. If you are looking for an experienced shoulder surgeon in Gurgaon, then you can contact Dr. Reetadyuti Mukhopadhyay. He has many years of experience in treating shoulder problems and will try his level best to help you in getting rid of shoulder pain as soon as possible.

Top 5 Post shoulder replacement surgery suggestions that can be helpful

Top 5 Post shoulder replacement surgery suggestions that can be helpful

In the case of an irreparable shoulder injury or problem, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest you undergo reverse shoulder replacement surgery. But there are a few suggestions that will help you in faster recovery post-surgery.

  • Changes in swimming movements

If you love swimming, then post shoulder surgery, you may have to adapt some changes in your swimming movements. For instance, a butterfly and overhead crawl will be difficult to perform. But breaststroke movement will be fine and workable.

  • Avoid activities involving overhead movements during initial days post-surgery

If you are thinking to paint the wall or replace the bulb by overstretching your arm, then avoid doing it. Ask for assistance for performing such tasks.

  • Go easy on your shoulder joint while dressing up

Soon after the shoulder surgery, avoid overstretching your arms to button up the hooks at the back or insert a belt in the back.  Hopefully, these dress tips can be helpful:

  • Inserting the belt in the loops of the pair of trousers before wearing it
  • Wear something comfortable and loose at the shoulder joint
  • Put your affected shoulder in your jacket first and then the other one. You can also ask for help while wearing jackets and overcoats

 

  • Use a scrub brush to reach your back while bathing

Due to the replacement surgery, the range of the motion may get affected in the initial phase of rehabilitation. But with time, it will improve. So during the recovery phase, you may find it difficult to scrub your back while bathing. So, to overcome this challenge, you can try a scrub brush for scrubbing your back as it is more convenient.

  • Strengthen muscles with a rehab plan

It is suggested that you should participate in a physical therapy session that can help you in strengthening the muscles. Moreover, you will be able to improve the range motion and recover soon. Your rehab plan may include various things like a few exercises, a specified diet, and many more. So kindly follow it without a miss. Also, try not to lift heavy weights with a single hand in the initial phase of recovery.

So these were some suggestions that may be helpful. But for more information and personalized guidelines, you may ask your medical expert. If you are looking for an experienced shoulder doctor in Gurgaon, then contact Dr. Retadyuti Mukhopadhyay. He will try his best to heal the shoulder problem effectively and can guide you with the treatment for shoulder replacement surgery.  Hopefully, he will be able to help in curing your shoulder problems.

+918800227345