Rotator Cuff Impingement

What is rotator cuff impingement?

Rotator cuff impingement is an orthopaedic condition that results in shoulder pain. The condition affects the tendons and muscles between the upper part of the shoulder and arm bone. The rotator cuff consists of a group of tendons and muscles that enable you to lift your arm. However, impingement can make raising your arm challenging since these tendons that make up the rotator cuff become injured. Impingement prompts swelling of the tendon, causing the top part of the shoulder to catch onto the affected tendon. Chronic pinching affects blood flow, which leads to the tendon fraying, in which case, it may split like a torn rope.

What are the signs?

Rotator cuff impingement leads to the following:

• Pain in the shoulder
• Shoulder pain that becomes aggravated when reaching for something behind your back.
• Shoulder pain intensifies when twisting your shoulder or arm.

What causes rotator cuff impingement?

Rotator cuff impingement may occur for various reasons, including an unexpected shoulder injury or long-term overuse of the shoulder.

Additional causes are linked to the following:

• Congenital (birth)-related: The acromion appears curved than flat. Some individuals are born with this.
• Ageing: Bony growths are likely to develop on the acromion as a result of age.

How does Dr du Toit treat rotator cuff impingement?

Treatment for rotator cuff impingement varies, depending on the extent of the damage. Conservative treatment measures include plenty of rest to reduce the stress load on the shoulder, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, ice packs, physical therapy, and in some cases, steroid injections.

If shoulder pain does not dissipate after six months of conservative treatment, Dr du Toit will advise surgery. A common procedure to treat rotator cuff impingement is called subacromial decompression. During decompression surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon removes bulging (inflamed) tissue and bony growths in the shoulder. By doing this, Dr du Toit creates more space in the shoulder to prevent the tendon from being pinched.

In terms of recovery, a splint or sling is applied to the arm. The standard recovery time after decompression surgery is between three to four months. While recovering, your surgeon will refer you to a physiotherapist to help rebuild strength in the affected arm.