How long is too long for rotator cuff surgery?
The bottom line is that based on these studies, 6 months appears to a reasonable timeline within which to repair the rotator cuff and optimize one’s outcome. When delayed, there is often progression in tear size and a decreased biologic potential for healing.
Can you live with a rotator cuff tear?
Even though most tears cannot heal on their own, good function can often be achieved without surgery. If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because many tears will not heal without surgery.
Can a torn rotator cuff be repaired by surgery?
Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). A partial tear, however, may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. This article contains details about these and other surgical treatments commonly used for rotator cuff tears.
How is arthroscopic surgery used to treat rotator cuff tears?
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery, or shoulder arthroscopy, is a valuable tool to treat rotator cuff tears. Using the scope, an experienced surgeon who is facile with arthroscopic techniques can evaluate the entire shoulder joint and can usually fix the tear through very small incisions using specially-designed instruments and devices.
What are the benefits of rotator cuff surgery?
The main benefit of rotator cuff surgery is that it can eliminate the symptoms someone is experiencing when nonsurgical treatment options have not been successful: mainly shoulder pain, shoulder weakness, or both. In the case of larger tears, surgical intervention may be the better option.
Can You Move Your arm after a rotator cuff tear?
Even though your tear has been repaired, the muscles around your arm remain weak. Once your surgeon decides it is safe for you to move your arm and shoulder, a therapist will help you with passive exercises to improve range of motion in your shoulder.
How do you treat a rotator cuff without surgery?
The majority of rotator cuff tears can be treated without surgery. Doctors generally prescribe physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. Sometimes patients receive a steroid injection to reduce the pain and inflammation, and this makes physical therapy easier.
What risks are associated with rotator cuff surgery?
Are there any risks or complications associated with Rotator Cuff surgery? Infection – there are slight chances of an infection occurring in the shoulder joint region or the incision. Pain – The severe injury, as well as the repaired tendon, might become painful for some time after the surgery. Vascular Damage – The damage to the nerves or blood vessels around the operating region is very rare.
Does a rotator cuff tear always require surgery?
Surgery is a common treatment for a rotator cuff tear, but it is the rare exception that a rotator cuff tear requires surgery. The truth is, that the vast majority, more than 99%, of rotator cuff tears are never treated with surgery. In fact, most people who have a rotator cuff tear never have a problem with their shoulder.
What are the alternatives to rotator cuff surgery?
Surgery is often advised in case of rotator cuff surgery, treatment for torn rotator cuff without surgery are available that helps to alleviate the pain and improves strength and flexibility of muscles. The alternatives include medications, physical therapy, massage, cold and hot packs, and taking good care of shoulders.