Shoulder Ligament Tear Treatment in Noida, Delhi, India

Overview

The shoulder, a ball-and-socket joint, plays a crucial role in our skeletal system, resembling a golf ball perched on a tee. A shoulder ligament tear involves injury to the soft tissues that disrupt the joint’s stability and range of motion. This can occur in tendons, muscles, or the labrum, a fibrous tissue lining the glenoid. Tears can be partial or complete, with minor injuries potentially leading to more significant damage over time.

Shoulder tears may result from repetitive use or sudden trauma. Activities requiring repetitive arm motions, such as throwing in sports or heavy lifting, can lead to tears. Additionally, falling with an outstretched arm can cause dislocation, dislodging the humerus from the glenoid and pulling muscles and tendons out of place.

Symptoms of Shoulder Ligament Tear

Not all shoulder ligament injuries cause immediate pain. Some injuries may develop over months or years, making early detection challenging. Common symptoms include:

1. Tenderness when reaching overhead
2. Difficulty touching behind the back
3. Trouble reaching out to the side
4. Progressive weakness of the shoulder
5. Night pain in the shoulder
6. Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
7. Persistent symptoms lasting over a week warrant immediate medical attention.

Types of Shoulder Ligament Tear

Shoulder ligament tears can be classified as:

1. Partial Tear: The tendon is still partially attached to the arm bone.
2. Complete Tear: The tendon is fully detached, resulting in a complete rupture.

Causes of Shoulder Ligament Tear

Shoulder ligament tears often result from a combination of age, overuse, and trauma. Key causes include:

1. Bone Spurs: These bony growths can rub against tendons, causing friction and leading to tears.
2. Decreased Blood Flow: Reduced circulation with age can impair the tendons’ ability to heal.
3. Overuse: Repetitive shoulder movements in sports or occupational tasks can strain muscles and tendons.

Diagnosis of Shoulder Ligament Tear

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, assessing muscle strength and mobility. Imaging tests may include:

1. X-rays: Used to evaluate bone-related issues such as spurs or fractures.
2. Ultrasound: Provides real-time images of soft tissues like muscles and tendons.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Offers detailed images of shoulder structures.

Treatment for Shoulder Ligament Tear

Initial treatment usually involves conservative measures, including rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgical options may be considered for severe injuries.

Injections

In cases where pain disrupts daily activities, steroid injections may be administered to provide relief, though their use should be limited due to potential side effects.

Physical Therapy

A tailored exercise regimen is essential for restoring flexibility and strength. Physical therapy is also crucial post-surgery.

Surgery

Surgical options may include:

1. Arthroscopic Tendon Repair: A minimally invasive procedure to reattach the tendon.
2. Open Tendon Repair: A more extensive procedure requiring a larger incision.
3. Tendon Transfer: Using a nearby tendon if the original one is too damaged.
4. Shoulder Replacement: Indicated for extensive tears and associated arthritis.

Complications of Shoulder Ligament Tear

The most common complication is re-tearing after recovery. Other potential surgical complications may include:

1. Frozen shoulder
2. Loss of motion
3. Reduced strength in the rotator cuff

Risk Factors

Shoulder ligament tears can be categorized as acute or degenerative:

1. Acute Injuries: Result from specific incidents, such as falls or heavy lifting, commonly affecting younger individuals.
2. Degenerative Injuries: Caused by long-term overuse, primarily affecting athletes and those over 40.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, symptoms from shoulder ligament tears often improve within weeks or months. Treatment success depends on various factors, including the size of the tear, the duration of the injury, the patient’s age, and their physical activity prior to the injury.

Last Update

Reviewed by Dr. Vishal Agrawal, Director & Head – Spine, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement on 14-Sep-2024.