subject: Rotator Cuff Repair A Common Surgical Procedure Provided By Orthopedic Surgeons In Asheboro Nc [print this page] The good news is that rotator cuff repair surgery may not be necessary in every instance of an injured cuff, and orthopedic doctors in Asheboro NC can help determine the best course of action for your shoulder pain. The earlier your orthopedic doctor examines your painful or weak shoulder joint, the sooner effective treatment can begin.
What is a rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles at the shoulder joint that work as a single unit to stabilize the joint and help with arm movement. Tendons attached to these muscles merge to form a single, tendon, which attaches to the head of the upper arm bone. It is vital to the shoulder joint's ability to move freely, and it is easily irritated or damaged. Orthopedic surgeons sometimes perform surgical repair to restore normal and painless shoulder joint function.
Does shoulder pain automatically mean rotator cuff repair surgery?
Whenever possible, orthopedic doctors prefer to treat rotator cuff injuries non-surgically, that is, with rest and icing, limiting those activities that cause pain, building up supporting muscles with physical therapy, steroid injections, and with anti-inflammatory medicines. The experienced orthopedic doctors in Asheboro NC are there to help return you to full function and pain free movement as soon as possible.
Depending on the severity of the damage, however, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend repair surgery to prevent further damage to the cuff. If untreated, a damaged rotator cuff causes chronic shoulder pain, growing weakness, and eventual muscle or tendon atrophy. Also, chronic inflammation in the shoulder joint can lead to arthritis.
How does a rotator cuff become torn?
Its tear can be caused by heavy lifting or by falling on the shoulder. This type of injury is most common in people over 40, especially those with occupations requiring overhead activity such as house painters, or those participating in overhead sports such as basketball. Falling on the shoulder can bruise or tear the cuff.
Most strains or tears, though, happen over time to your dominant arm through repetitive motion. Normal aging processes contribute to this degeneration, too, decreasing blood supply to tissues and interfering with your body's natural healing and repairing capabilities.
What does a torn cuff feel like?
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear that may require repair include:
o decreased range of shoulder motion
o shoulder weakness
o popping, clicking or grinding
o pain on raising arm or reaching up
o pain lying on affected shoulder
What is rotator cuff repair surgery?
Your orthopedic surgeon will ensure the space between your shoulder blade and collar bone allows free movement by trimming bone protrusions and damaged tissue. If your cuff has not completely torn through, simple suturing will likely accomplish the repair.
On the other hand, if the cuff is completely torn, or if extended overuse has degraded the surrounding tissue so that it is too weak to hold sutures, a more complicated procedure using plastic or metal anchors is used to stitch tendon to bone. Rotator cuff repair surgery can be done using either an arthroscopic or open surgery method.
What can I expect after rotator cuff repair surgery?
Orthopedic surgeons will likely recommend a post-surgery program of rest and medication for discomfort, then a series of motion exercises followed by appropriate strengthening exercises as your healing progresses. Healing time will depend on many factors, and may take from a few weeks to several months, depending on your particular situation. The goal is to return you to normal function as quickly and safely as possible.
Rotator cuff repair is generally less complicated if performed early in the damage timeline. Contact orthopedic suregons in Asheboro NC today to find out the most effective treatment for you.
