Wondering “Where Do I Get Rotator Cuff Injury Surgery?” The Answer: Right Here

Learn about the different types of rotator cuff injuries and effective treatment options.

Most of us have heard of the dreaded rotator cuff injury. Particularly associated with sports or work which involves repetitive overhead motion, it can cause discomfort and immobility. If you have suffered a rotator cuff injury and are wondering “where do I get rotator cuff injury surgery?”, then don’t worry, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can help. But before we jump to rotator cuff surgery, let’s take a look at the different types of rotator cuff injuries and the various treatment options available.

Rotator Cuff Injuries and Potential Treatments

While rotator cuff injuries usually develop over time from repetitive motion, they can also arise from a single sudden injury. Whether your injury developed slowly over time or suddenly, you should have it evaluated by a physician as soon as possible to prevent further injury.

Before we answer your question of “where do I get rotator cuff injury surgery?” let’s see if your symptoms match that of a rotator cuff injury. If you are experiencing a rotator cuff injury some of the symptoms you may be experiencing include:

• A dull ache deep within the shoulder

• Pain at night, especially when sleeping on the injured shoulder

• Difficulty in combing or brushing hair or reaching behind the back

• Weakness in the arm

• Sudden loss of motion (indicative of a serious tear)

The types of rotator cuff injuries range from slight inflammation to a complete tear and require varying treatments.

Tears: Rotator cuff tears can be either acute or degenerative. Acute tears occur from a sudden injury while degenerative tears occur as the tendon is worn down over time. The tears can be either:

• Partial tear: Damage is done to the soft tissue, but the tendon is not completely severed.

• Full-thickness tear: A complete tear splitting the tissue into two pieces. With a full- thickness rotator cuff tear surgery will likely be necessary to restore function.

Tendinitis: The rotator cuff may be irritated or damaged.

Bursitis:  The bursa is a lubricating sac in between the rotator cuff and the bone on the top of the shoulder. The bursa allows for smooth movement between these parts as the shoulder joint is rotated. The bursa can become irritated and fill with excess fluid causing pain.

Impingement: When raising the arm to shoulder height the space between the bone and the rotator cuff narrows. If the bone rubs or “impinges” on the tendon or bursa it can cause irritation and pain.

Treatment Options:
There are several nonsurgical methods which can be effective in treating some rotator cuff injuries. For rotator cuff tears nonsurgical treatments can relieve pain and improve function in approximately 50% of patients, however, shoulder strength is not usually regained without surgical treatment.

Nonsurgical treatment options are:

Rest: Resting and particularly limiting overhead movements to give the rotator cuff time to become asymptomatic may be helpful. A sling may be prescribed for additional protection and stability but that is relatively rare.

Lifestyle changes: Avoiding activities that result in shoulder pain.

Physical therapy: Exercise programs can restore movement and strengthen the shoulder to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of further injury. Stretches help to regain flexibility and range of motion.

Medication: Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen can manage pain and reduce swelling.

Steroid Injection: An occasional local injection of anesthetic and the steroid cortisone can be effective in reducing inflammation.

Surgical Treatment:
If conservative treatment methods are not effective in treating your symptoms, then rotator cuff surgery may be recommended. Some procedures may be performed using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure which may allow for a quicker recovery. For a better understanding of the different procedures, you can watch a rotator cuff video here.

Where Do I Get Rotator Cuff Injury Surgery?

If you are recommended for surgery then there is no need to worry about where to get rotator cuff injury surgery - Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is here and ready to provide you with expert care. We will evaluate your condition, your medical history, and your lifestyle and provide you with the individualized treatment to meet your needs. To learn more about treatment for rotator cuff injuries or to schedule an appointment, visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.