Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery
The rotator cuff consists of four muscle and tendon groups with the purpose of stabilizing the shoulder. Rotator cuff muscles are also aid in shoulder movement and function. A rotator cuff injury occurs when muscles and tendons in the shoulder become damaged. A tear in the muscle tendons is the most common form of rotator cuff injuries.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator Cuff tears can often go unnoticed due to the fact that they do not cause noticeable pain or symptoms. The main cause of a rotator cuff tear is old age. There are three different classifications of a rotator cuff tendon tear. An intact tendon can become frayed which is known as a partial thickness tear . A full thickness tear occurs when most of the tendon is still attached to the bone. In this case, the shoulder can still function normally. The third level is also the most severe. A full tendon tear is one in which the tendons are completely detached from the bone. The result is an impairment in the functionality and use of the shoulder. Tendon tears can also be classified by size. Pain levels are not necessarily related to the type of tear sustained since pain is not always present following a tear.
Surgery Options and Recovery
There are a few options to choose from when having surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Arthroscopic surgery makes use of several small incisions to insert an arthroscope. Although the surgery is an outpatient procedure, it can be very difficult for the surgeon and requires skill and experience.
Another option for surgery is an open repair. A surgeon will make a cut in the shoulder in order to repair the torn tendons directly. The incision is usually a few centimeters long. The surgeon may also remove bone spurs during the procedure. Though this type of surgery is more invasive, it does do well in restoring function to the shoulder with minimal pain. Open repair is also the oldest form of rotator cuff repair.
Mini-open repair is similar to open repair except that it also makes use of arthroscopy. This method eliminates the need to detach the deltoid muscle as it does with regular open surgery. Results from this method are comparable to those of open surgery. Mini0open repair is also the most commonly used method by doctors to treat rotator cuff tears. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis. Recovering from rotator cuff tear surgery can take as many as three to six months. A patient will also need to keep their arm in a sling for six weeks following surgery.
Based on findings from a diagnosis, it is determined whether or not surgery is needed to repair a torn rotator cuff. Patients suffering from partial or complete tears may treated without surgery. More severe shoulder injuries such as a dislocation or break in the shoulder may require surgery to be fixed.
Treatments for pain include medications, pain relievers, or injections for pain killers. Wearing a sling can also provide pain relief and reduce mobility. It is critical to not keep the shoulder completely immobilized for long stretches of time. Leaving the shoulder in a constant fixed state can cause stiffness and inhibit the healing process. A patient may be required to do physical therapy exercises to keep their muscles strong. This is not done until pain goes away enough.
A patient suffering from a shoulder injury may have to wait several weeks to have an X-ray or MRI. While awaiting surgery, patients will have to avoid activities that cause pain to the damaged shoulder. This can include sleeping a certain way so as to not put pressure on the shoulder. A patient may even have to miss work and alter other normal activities until they can have their shoulder treated and healed.
Even if surgery is able to completely repair a torn rotator cuff, the tendons are at risk to be torn again in the future. Exercising and keeping the shoulder healthy are a good wear to help prevent re-injuring the tendons. It is also important to remember that a tear may not necessarily cause any physical pain. When healing from surgery, it is important to keep this in mind before doing anything that will put stress on the shoulder.
Patients that have rotator cuff tear surgery have a success rate of 80 to 90 percent. Patients experience significant pain reduction and restored or improved motion in their shoulder. Several factors come into play when it comes to how successful an surgery will be. A certified doctor should be consulted to answer any questions you may have regarding rotator cuff injuries and treatment.
