Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that hold the arm in its joint and are the driving force for shoulder movement. The rotator cuff is the stabilizing force that allows us to raise our arms overhead. It is the site of many common shoulder problems including inflammation and tendon degeneration.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a tear that occurs in one or more of the shoulder tendons. Cuff tears are a common cause of pain and disability. A tear weakens the shoulder causing even normal activities to become too painful and challenging.
Tears can be partial or full. A partial tear damages the soft tissue but does not sever the tendon completely from the bone. If a partial tear in the tendon is not repaired, it can progressively fray and cause further damage to the area. As damage increases, the tendon can eventually completely tear. A full tear or complete tear creates a split in the tissue and results in pain and/or disability.
Causes of rotator cuff tears
Acute or sudden tears are the result of falls and direct injuries to the shoulder. Degenerative tears result from slow degeneration of the joint, due to repetitive stress and overuse, or wear and tear degeneration that causes weakness and pain.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear
Pain in the shoulder at rest and at night, and weakness when rotating or lifting the arm
Sometimes there will be a crunching or clicking sensation when moving the shoulder
An ache in the side and back of the shoulder or in the outside of the upper arm
Difficulty lifting the arm
Interrupted sleep due to pain
What is Conservative Treatment?
Conservative treatment is the first line treatment and includes rest, ice, immobilization and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and activity modification with steroid injections. A rotator cuff tear will not heal by itself. However, many people can recover from rotator cuff injuries without surgery with activity modification, medication, physical therapy and steroid injections.
When will surgery be recommended?
The goal of surgery is to repair the tear, improve mobility, relieve pain, and allow you to get back to your life. There are multiple reasons that rotator cuff surgery may become necessary.
During your consultation with Dr. Peter Johnston, he will discuss your symptoms and conduct a complete examination of your painful shoulder. He will order imaging studies to view the damage to the rotator cuff. He will give you a diagnosis and a recommendation for treatment.
If he recommends arthroscopic surgery, he will explain to you the reasons to consider this procedure, which may include:
Shoulder pain at night and at rest that fails to improve with conservative measures including physical therapy for up to 6-12-months.
A recent large or complete rotator cuff tear that causes pain and disability.
For active patients who desire to regain function for work and play.
When pain and weakness interfere with daily life functions
What is arthroscopic rotator cuff repair?
Arthroscopic surgery is an outpatient minimally invasive procedure to fix a tear in the rotator cuff. This procedure requires only small, keyhole incisions to access the joint and repair the damage. It uses a small camera to examine the joint and repair the tear.
Advantages of arthroscopic repair include less bleeding, less soft tissue trauma, earlier mobilization, and shorter recovery than with open surgery. Dr. Johnston is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship trained shoulder specialist with the skills and expertise of arthroscopic surgery.
Recovery
Recovery from rotator cuff surgery can take 6-12 months and requires a commitment to physical therapy, in order to regain function and strength.
Dr. Peter Johnston is committed to his patients and helping them achieve a fully functional and pain free quality of life. He has offices in Leonardtown and White Plains Maryland. Contact him to schedule a consultation to receive the correct diagnosis and your treatment options including state-of-the-art procedures.
