Shoulder Rotator Cuff Programme
|
 The shoulder is perhaps the most mobile joint in the body. There are four rotator cuff tendons around the shoulder joint, whose functions are to initiate motion and increase stability. The supraspinatus tendon is commonly injured, after what appears to be trivial injuries like carrying a heavy load, lifting things overhead or even hanging the clothes out. Patients complain of pain on lifting the arm overhead and weakness at a later stage. The pain often inhibits their daily living and disturbs their sleep.
|
|
The Rotator Cuff programme
Patients with shoulder pain and suspected cuff tears first undergo diagnostic imaging; either ultrasound or MRI, both performed by trained musculoskeletal radiologists. They also undergo therapy by a dedicated team of sports physiotherapists to improve range of motion and strength of the shoulder. |
Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
This surgery is usually done arthroscopically, that is, through key-hole surgery. The torn edges of the cuff are removed and mobilised. The tendons are reattached to the bone using absorbable or metal anchors using the latest techniques available. After surgery, patients are put in a sling or brace. Therapy starts the day after surgery and continues for about 4 weeks. |
Other Shoulder Surgeries:
wide variety of arthroscopic surgeries of the shoulder can be performed at SingHealth institutions. These include biceps surgery, stabilisation surgery (for shoulder dislocations), subacromial decompressions and Mumford’s procedures (for those with impingement or pain on overhead arm movements). Shoulder replacements are also performed for severe arthritis. |
Who it is for
The Shoulder Programme caters to 2 groups of patients. Those above 40 years old with chronic pain will benefit most from this multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat their conditions.
Younger patients with unstable shoulders are the second group that will benefit. |
Our treatment centre
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) |
The SGH Advantage
High Volume
|
| SGH sees the most number of sports and shoulder patients. Clinicians are trained and dedicated to shoulder surgery, and collectively have extensive experience. |
|
Latest Equipment
|
| State-of-the-art surgical instruments, equipment and techniques are used. SGH is the first centre outside the USA to use Versalock anchors, a technique of suturing the rotator cuff securely (dual-row suture bridge). |
|
Multidisciplinary Team
|
| Our dedicated team includes sports & shoulder orthopaedic surgeons, sports physiotherapists, musculoskeletal radiologists, nurse clinicians and engineers. |
|
|