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Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator Cuff Surgery

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons responsible for shoulder joint stability, that allow movements to be precise and coordinated. If a tear or injury (partial or total) is left untreated, it could completely tear. Home care can treat many rotator cuff problems. Before you even consider rotator cuff surgery, your doctor will tell you to rest your shoulder joint and ice the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease your pain and swelling while your rotator cuff heals. Also, physical therapy will help restore your shoulder strength.

What about surgery?

The risk of tearing the rotator cuff increases when calcifications make the tendons more rigid and fragile. If you’re not getting any relief with these steps, surgery may be the next option for you if:

  • Your shoulder hasn’t improved after 6 to 12 months.
  • You’ve lost a lot of strength in your shoulder and find it painful to move.
  • The tear in your rotator cuff tendon still hasn’t healed.
  • You’re active and rely on your shoulder strength for your job or to play sports.

To repair a tear to the rotator cuff, it is necessary to perform a surgery in which the internal situation will be first controlled and evaluated. After this, the surgeon will clean the joint, remove any damaged tissue, and fix the tendon on the bone with the help of metals and prostheses. After surgery, the shoulder should be immobilized for a maximum of six weeks.

When is Rotator Cuff Surgery Necessary?

The rotator cuff injury can be caused by trauma, such as falling on the arm, which creates tension on the tendon. Due to friction, there is significant pain and limited movement in the arm.

In addition, it can often get damaged over time because of the tear between tendons and bones caused by friction. This movement can cause chronic inflammation and degeneration. When one of these events happen, surgery is necessary. On several occasions, these damages may occur at once.

Are There any Risks or Complications?

As any surgical procedure, it carries the risks of using anesthesia and other general risks:

  • Allergic reactions to medications.
  • Respiratory problems.
  • Bleeding, blood clots, and infection.

There are also complications that could occur in a rotator cuff surgery:

  • Sometimes surgery does not fully relieve symptoms and pain.
  • Extra damage to a tendon, blood vessel, or nerve can occur.