Several shoulder issues are caused by injuries to the rotator cuff, which are the tendons that attach the shoulder muscles to the arm.
The rotator cuff is formed of four tendons that collectively form the rotator cuff. If the rotator cuff becomes inflamed o tears partially, it can cause pain and limit the movement of the shoulder. With a partial rotator cuff tear, the patient will still have limited use of the arm. However, with a full tear, severe limitations are caused to shoulder movement, along with pain and weakness.
A partial rotator cuff tear does not go all the way through the tendons. Almost all partial rotator cuff tears can be treated without surgery, at least in the initial stages. Other treatments are tried, including physical therapy, to allow the tendon to heal itself. If the healing does not happen over time and if the tear enlarges and goes through the tendons, surgery can considered for a partial thickness rotator cuff tear.
A surgeon determines when surgery becomes necessary for a partial rotator cuff tear. If less than 50% of the tendon is torn, surgeons opine that surgery can be avoided. An arthroscopic view of the injured tendon is taken and a decision is taken whether or not to operate on the rotator cuff.
If the tendon is less than 50% torn, removing the damaged and frayed tendon might resolve the issue. If more than 50% of the tendon is torn, a rotator cuff repair surgery will have to be performed.
When a partially torn rotator cuff is repaired, the resulting tendon is usually quite strong. There is less stress on the repaired tendon as well, when compared to the repair of full rotator cuff tears. This is good as it helps in quick healing.