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Dr Tabane MoagiSpecialist Orthopaedic Surgeon

Condition

Rotator cuff tear

A tear in one of the four tendons that hold the shoulder in place and lift the arm.

What it usually feels like

  • Night pain on that side
  • Weakness rather than only pain
  • Difficulty holding the arm out to the side

Common causes

  • Age-related tendon wear
  • A fall onto the arm or shoulder
  • Repeated overhead work or sport

Treatment

How this is treated

Treatment starts with the least invasive option that is likely to work.

  1. Step 1

    Physiotherapy, which works well for many partial tears

  2. Step 2

    Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for tears with real weakness

  3. Step 3

    A sling and staged rehabilitation after repair

See related treatmentsBook a Consultation

Do not wait

When to be seen urgently

  • Sudden weakness after an injury
  • Pain that prevents any sleep

This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Only an examination can tell you what is wrong with your joint.

If you need help now

Outside consulting hours, report to the Casualty Department at Netcare Ferncrest Hospital or Life Peglerae Hospital in Rustenburg. If the injury is life-threatening, call 10177 immediately. Please do not use the enquiry form for an emergency.

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