Supraspinatus Tear Treatment in New Jersey

Located at the top of the shoulder joint, the supraspinatus tendon is one of the four tendons of the rotator cuff.  It attaches the head of the upper arm bone (humeral head) to the shoulder blade socket (glenoid cavity) and helps to facilitate the arm’s full range of motion. When the supraspinatus tendon becomes damaged or torn, the shoulder joint’s strength and mobility may be severely compromised. If you are experiencing shoulder pain and/or difficulty lifting or rotating the arm, a supraspinatus tear could be the underlying cause.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our award-winning orthopedic specialists take a personalized and comprehensive approach to supraspinatus tear treatment. Schedule an initial consultation today to receive an accurate diagnosis for your shoulder pain and take the first step toward a full and complete recovery with our compassionate and highly skilled team.

What Is A Supraspinatus Tear?

A supraspinatus tear refers to a tear of the supraspinatus tendon, one of the four tendons of the rotator cuff.  The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that surrounds the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) and attaches it to the shoulder blade (scapula), contributes to the shoulder joint’s strength, stability, and wide range of motion while also powering movements such as the raising and rotating of the arm. A torn supraspinatus tendon may lead to severe shoulder pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and loss of arm function.

Supraspinatus tears can occur in isolation but are more often diagnosed alongside shoulder fractures, dislocations, and/or other rotator cuff injuries. They can occur in patients of any age but are most common in individuals over the age of 40.

Supraspinatus tears fall into one of two categories:

• Partial Tear – The supraspinatus tendon is torn/damaged but remains at least partially attached to the arm bone. Also known as an incomplete tear.
• Full-Thickness Tear – The supraspinatus tendon has been completely torn away from the arm bone. Also known as a complete tear.

Common Causes Of Supraspinatus Tear

Supraspinatus tears are caused by two primary factors: Injury and degeneration.

Supraspinatus tears that result from a traumatic injury, such as a fall onto an outstretched arm, a high-impact collision, or heavy lifting, are typically:

• Acute (have a severe and sudden onset)
• Full-thickness
• Highly symptomatic (characterized by intense pain and loss of arm function)

Athletes in sports such as baseball, rugby, rowing, football, and tennis may be particularly at risk of experiencing this type of supraspinatus tear.

Supraspinatus tears that result from degeneration are more common than those caused by injury and are typically:

• Gradual to develop
• Caused by age-related wear and tear, repetitive movements, poor blood supply, and/or bone spurs in the shoulder joint
• Characterized by ongoing fraying/weakening of the supraspinatus tendon that leads to partial or complete tearing over time
• Symptomatic or asymptomatic (symptoms may come and go or change over time)

Individuals in trades that require extensive overhead movements such as painting, carpentry, construction, and plumbing may be particularly at risk of developing this type of supraspinatus tear.

Symptoms And Diagnosis of Supraspinatus Tear

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our world-class team of orthopedic doctors specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of supraspinatus tears and other rotator cuff issues. At your initial appointment, your doctor will take a thorough medical history and ask you about your symptoms.

Common symptoms of a supraspinatus tear may include some or all of the following:

• Pain/tenderness in and around the shoulder joint

• Pain and/or weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
• Stiffness in the shoulder joint
• A grinding or crackling sensation when moving the arm
• Difficulty lifting/lowering the arm
• Pain that worsens at night, particularly when lying on the affected side

If your doctor suspects a supraspinatus tear after performing an in-depth physical examination of the affected shoulder, further tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans, may be ordered to better visualize the area and check for damage to other surrounding structures.

Non-Surgical Treatments For Supraspinatus Tear

Once a supraspinatus tear diagnosis has been confirmed, your doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs, situation, and treatment goals. Often, partial supraspinatus tears respond well to conservative treatment options including the following:

• Rest
• Immobilization
• Lifestyle modifications
• Physical therapy
• Pain management
• Steroid injections

Surgical Options For Supraspinatus Tear

A surgical approach to supraspinatus tear treatment may be recommended in cases where the tear is complete, the tendon has undergone significant damage, or pain and loss of function are impacting quality of life and have not improved with more conservative treatment approaches.

Supraspinatus tear repairs are typically performed arthroscopically and involve the reattachment of the supraspinatus tendon to the humeral head. Your Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey doctor will provide you with more detailed information about the procedure based on the specifics of your case.

Rehabilitation Process

The initial recovery period after supraspinatus tendon repair surgery takes approximately 2-6 weeks. During this time, range of motion will be limited and you may need assistance to lift things above chest height. Over the next 4-6 months, you will work with a physical therapist as your shoulder joint regains strength and function. Full recovery after supraspinatus tendon surgery can take up to one year.

Comprehensive Care For Supraspinatus Tears At Modern Orthopaedics Of New Jersey

Experience an unparalleled level of shoulder care in a state-of-the-art environment when you seek treatment from the shoulder specialists at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey. Contact our clinic to book your appointment today! We look forward to working with you.

Preventing Supraspinatus Tears And Shoulder Injuries

It may not always be possible to prevent a supraspinatus tear, but the following measures can help keep your shoulder joint strong, flexible, and healthy:

• Regular stretching and strengthening exercises (speak with your doctor or physical therapist for recommendations)
• Warming up properly before physical activities involving the shoulders and arms
• Using proper technique when lifting heavy items
• Not playing through pain

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