A novel treatment to replace prosthetic materials in shoulder tears
A novel alternative is gaining global popularity in treatment of shoulder tears. This technique is used especially for unrepairable muscle tears of shoulder and a healthy tissue that is obtained from the lateral part of the leg is transferred to the shoulder; the ease of technique is superior to the prosthetic surgery.
Irrespective of the underlying cause, such as aging-related wearing or trauma, it is necessary to repair the tears without wasting time. Although interpersonal variations are likely, the problem turns into an irreversible condition within approximately one year. However, most patients with this condition refrain from surgery. Professor of Orthopedics and Traumatology Arel Gereli from Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital says “Unfortunately, approximately 20% of patients with muscle tear in the shoulder lose time, as they are afraid of surgery. Therefore, patients cannot properly use the joint and vital and basic functions are lost, as the arm becomes dysfunctional. Therefore, the quality of life is seriously influenced”.
Shoulder tears influences the quality of life
Shoulder joint is characterized with the largest range of motion in our body and it is, therefore, more commonly exposed to trauma. Tears of muscle groups, called ‘rotator cuff’, that are located around the shoulder may seriously influence the quality of life, as they cause severe pain and limited motion. Tear of muscles in shoulder is among the most common problems faced in orthopedics practice and the prevalence is 60 percent in persons older than 65. The problem progresses as the person ages, because the wearing continues over the time.
Shoulder tear is also a problem for young people
Young people may also suffer from shoulder tears especially secondary to sports injuries, trauma and lifting heavy objects. Moreover, the condition should be repaired immediately after it is noticed. Otherwise, the muscle may lose viability and the capacity of healing is lost. Treatment options are also limited in such patients. It is reported that ‘Superior Capsule Reconstruction’ is an important alternative option, which is recently introduced to the practice especially for this group of patients. The method is regarded as an alternative to the prosthetic surgery especially for young people with unrepairable tear of muscle in shoulder. Considering the risks of prosthetic surgery, it becomes a preferred technique.
A new option for patients who are not good candidates of prosthetic surgery
When the condition progresses, the capability of healing is lost or advanced stage tear does not allow a repair surgery and thus, people with this condition have limited number of options. Prosthetic surgery is considered as the first option. However, prosthesis is not largely preferred, as it should be replaced over the time. Accordingly, superior capsule reconstruction appears like a good option for peopled aged 50 to 70 years with unrepairable muscle tear.
This rescue surgery that has been used globally approximately for a decade and since 2011 in our country is an option for everybody who do not want to undergo prosthetic surgery. A thick layer of muscle is obtained from the lateral part of the leg and stitched into the shoulder. Thus, functioning of the shoulder joint is restored. Pain is relieved and the quality of life is substantially improved. Moreover, structural deformity of the joint is also avoided. Since the native tissue of the patient is used, the ease of adaptation is a major superiority over the prosthetic materials.
Patients may engage in activities of daily life 4 months later
This surgery aims to restore functions of the shoulder and make the person do activities of daily life, such as wearing clothes, and it is performed with closed surgery technique. Patients need to use shoulder-arm strap after the surgery and physiotherapy helps engagement in activities of daily life 4 months later.
