Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tear & Rotator Cuff Rupture in Düsseldorf

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder. They originate from the shoulder blade and surround the upper part of the arm. The function of the rotator cuff is to stabilize the shoulder joint and keep the head of the upper arm bone in the socket of the shoulder blade.

The rotator cuff in the shoulder is subjected to significant strain over the course of a lifetime, which can lead to wear and tear. When one or more tendons of the rotator cuff tear, it is referred to as a rotator cuff rupture or tear. This is a common shoulder problem that requires special attention. In our specialist center in Düsseldorf, we have the necessary expertise to detect and effectively treat such injuries early on.

Causes of a rotator cuff tear

Causes of a rotator cuff tear

A rotator cuff tear is one of the most common shoulder injuries and can be caused by both accidents and wear and tear. It often occurs due to a fall on an outstretched arm, an attempt to brace oneself, or the sudden lifting of a heavy object.

Even more common are degenerative rotator cuff tears. In this case, the tendons are already pre-damaged due to wear and tear processes, causing them to lose stability over the course of life and thus become more susceptible to tearing.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear

A rotator cuff tear causes different symptoms depending on the extent and cause. Generally, it leads to pain that is dependent on activity and position, often occurring at night when lying on the affected side.

Also, pain on the outside of the upper arm, pain when lifting the arm sideways, or the onset of numbness after certain arm movements (pseudoparalysis) are possible symptoms of a rotator cuff tear.

Small tears of the rotator cuff, on the other hand, can initially remain symptom-free. In the case of wear-related tears, the pain may gradually increase over a longer period, so there is not immediately a suspicion of a rotator cuff tear.

Treatment of a Rotator Cuff Tear

Treatment of a Rotator Cuff Tear

Depending on the severity and extent of damage to the shoulder, various treatment options are available for a rotator cuff tear. Since a torn tendon does not heal on its own, it must be determined whether the affected person can live with a rotator cuff tear and remain symptom-free in the long term, or whether surgical intervention is necessary.

In our treatment approaches, your orthopedist in Düsseldorf fundamentally aligns with your individual symptomatology, your requirements, and specific living conditions. If you are experiencing pain and think you might have a rotator cuff tear, do not hesitate to contact us. There are several ways to schedule an appointment with us. We are always ready to provide you with the best possible care.

Operative treatment of rotator cuff tears in Düsseldorf: Highly qualified doctors, modern technologies, and quick recovery.

Our highly qualified doctors offer innovative and minimally invasive surgical treatment to relieve your pain and restore your mobility. With state-of-the-art technologies and a personalized treatment plan, we strive to enable you to achieve a quick and effective recovery. Choose us for the surgical treatment of your rotator cuff tear and experience a new quality of life.

Efficient and modern treatment methods for calcific shoulder tendinitis play

Efficient and modern treatment methods for calcific shoulder tendinitis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


The healing time after a rotator cuff tear can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the injury and the type of treatment. With surgical repair, full recovery typically takes 4 to 6 months, with some patients requiring up to a year to regain their full strength and function.
The urgency of surgery for a rotator cuff tear depends on various factors, including the severity of the tear, the patient's age and overall health, and the patient's functional requirements. In some cases, especially with smaller tears or in older patients, conservative treatment with physical therapy and pain management may be preferred. For larger tears or if conservative treatment fails, surgery may be necessary. However, there is no specific deadline by which surgery must be performed. With increasing delay, it may become more challenging to achieve a successful repair. It is important to discuss this decision with a qualified healthcare provider.
A tear in the rotator cuff can manifest through symptoms such as pain in the shoulder area (especially at night or during certain movements), weakness in the shoulder or when lifting objects, limited range of motion, and occasional cracking or clicking sounds when moving the shoulder.
When diagnosing a rotator cuff tear, the doctor will first conduct a physical examination and ask questions about symptoms and possible injuries. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI can then be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the injury. After that, an individualized treatment plan will be created, which may include physical therapy, pain management, and possibly surgery.
The treatment of a rotator cuff tear can be either conservative or surgical. Conservative treatment methods include pain management through medication, physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles, and avoiding certain movements that could worsen the injury. For more severe tears or if conservative treatment methods are not effective, surgical repair of the rotator cuff may be considered.
The duration of sick leave after surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear depends on the severity of the injury and the type of work the patient normally performs. Generally, one can expect to be on sick leave for about 4 to 6 weeks. However, for patients with physically demanding jobs, the sick leave may be longer, often up to 3 to 6 months. Each case is individual and should be discussed with the treating physician.
Yes, one can live without a fully functional rotator cuff. However, a damaged or torn rotator cuff can lead to pain, weakness, and limited shoulder mobility, which can affect the quality of life and the ability to perform certain activities or work.
If a tendon tear, including a rotator cuff tear, is not treated, it can lead to persistent pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the affected area. Over time, it can also cause progressive damage to the surrounding tissue and a deterioration of functionality. In some cases, the tear can also become larger, making later repair more difficult or impossible.
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