Every year, millions of people experience shoulder pain and seek help from a doctor. While many of these people have a minor issue that can be treated with rest and physical therapy, some people have a torn rotator cuff, which needs treatment from an orthopedic surgeon. Here is everything you need to know about experiencing a rotator cuff tear and undergoing surgery to repair it. Show
How Do Rotator Cuff Injuries Happen?The rotator cuff refers to the four muscles that form tendons around the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff injury usually means one or possibly more of these tendons has gotten torn. Tears can be partial or complete. Typically, this type of injury is a result of repetitive motion. For example, it is a common injury among professional athletes, particularly baseball pitchers. Additionally, this type of injury becomes more likely with the wear and tear of aging. People over the age of 40 are at increased risk for a rotator cuff tear. While overuse is the more common cause of rotator cuff injuries, an acute injury can also result in a rotator cuff tear. What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear or Injury?Rotator cuff tear symptoms include the following.
How Do You Know If You Need Surgery?Not all rotator cuff injuries require surgery. Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor might prescribe more conservative treatments first. Simple at-home measures like rest and ice can help manage your symptoms while you undergo physical therapy to strengthen the injured tendons. Targeted physical therapy exercises will help you regain strength and range of motion. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or inject cortisone directly into the injured shoulder. More conservative approaches to treatment may only temporarily provide rotator cuff pain relief. If the injury is a severe tear that results in constant pain, or it does not respond to more conservative treatment, it is unlikely symptoms will resolve without surgery. Pain and weakness may increase if the tear or tears do not get surgically addressed. If you think you may need surgery, learn more about if you may need one. What Is Shoulder Arthroscopy?Shoulder arthroscopy is a technique that can diagnose and treat a variety of shoulder joint injuries. This technique differs from traditional, open approaches to surgery. Instead of making a large incision, the surgeon will make several smaller incisions —usually about half an inch — to reach the injured tendon. Next, the surgeon will insert a thin camera, called the arthroscope, into one of the incisions to get an anatomic visual of the injury and surrounding tissue. The other incisions allow for the insertion of specialized surgical tools that assist the surgeon in removing scar tissue and bone spurs, both of which can contribute to the painful symptoms of a rotator cuff tear. The surgeon will also use plastic screws and sutures to repair the torn tendon. A torn rotator cuff is just one of the conditions shoulder arthroscopy can treat. Other common indications include labrum tear, ligament tear and repair of frequent shoulder dislocations. How Much Does Rotator Cuff Surgery Cost?The price of rotator cuff surgery will depend on several factors. Estimates range from $6,628 to $11,180, but talking to your insurance carrier is the best way to get an accurate estimate for you. The price of the surgery will hinge on variables such as your insurance coverage, your annual deductible, your coinsurance and your out-of-pocket maximum. The cost of the surgery will include the surgeon, anesthesia, imaging, lab tests and the hospital. You could receive separate bills for each of these services. When talking to your insurance company, it can be helpful to reference specific codes related to shoulder arthroscopy. Commonly used codes for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair include:
Are There Any Potential Complications?Any surgery comes with the risk of complications. While these are rare, it is essential you become an informed patient before deciding to undergo surgery. The potential complications of shoulder arthroscopy include the following.
In addition to these risks, shoulder arthroscopy requires the use of anesthesia. The risks, though slight, of anesthesia include blood clots, heart attack and stroke. What Should You Expect?Surgery is a stressful experience for many people, but knowing what to expect can alleviate some of that worry. Here are the necessary steps to know.
How Can You Manage Any Postoperative Pain and Discomfort?Pain management is one of patients' most significant concerns following surgery. Anesthesia and a nerve block will help with pain the day of the surgery, but once you go home, you will be responsible for managing your pain. Your care team will help prepare you to return home to begin your recovery process. Here are some things you can do to stay comfortable after surgery.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Rotator Cuff Surgery?Recovery happens in a few different stages. The first step is managing your postoperative pain. Although your arm will likely be immobilized in a sling for four to six weeks after the surgery, you can return to most of your normal activities within a few days of surgery. You will be able to drive and walk, but remember you will be doing these things with one arm. During your recovery period, you will work with your physical therapist to regain motion and strengthen the area. The rotator cuff surgery recovery timeline can vary case by case, but a full recovery typically takes four to six months. It may take longer than that to return to heavy lifting. Talk to your doctor and physical therapist before resuming any workout routines or going back to a job that will put significant strain on your shoulder. What Should You Expect From Postoperative Physical Therapy?Physical therapy is a big part of postoperative rotator cuff treatment. Your physical therapist will start by introducing passive motion to the shoulder. He or she will carefully move your arm for you to ensure the recovering muscles and tendons are not under excessive strain. When you are ready, your physical therapy will progress to active motion, which means your therapist will instruct you how to move your arm. Finally, you will begin to work on strengthening the shoulder with resistance exercises. Rotator cuff tear rehab will usually last at least a few months after the surgery. While you will have regularly scheduled physical therapy appointments, your therapist will likely give you daily at-home exercises to do. As guided by your therapist, sometimes a shoulder pulley system will be able to aid in keeping up with your shoulder therapy exercises at home. A few recommended shoulder pulleys include:
Another important aspect of postoperative recovery is dressing care. A few recommended waterproof dressing solutions include:
How Can You Help Prevent Future Rotator Cuff Injuries?Once you reach full recovery, you will probably want to put the injury out of your mind and move forward with your life. While it is wonderful you can get back to the activities you love, you will want to take precautions to prevent re-injury of the rotator cuff.
If you need to get evaluated for a rotator cuff tear, schedule an appointment online or call 713-794-3457. Take the first step toward recovery today. How long is recovery from arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery?During your recovery period, you will work with your physical therapist to regain motion and strengthen the area. The rotator cuff surgery recovery timeline can vary case by case, but a full recovery typically takes four to six months. It may take longer than that to return to heavy lifting.
What is arthroscopy shoulder with rotator cuff repair?If you have a torn rotator cuff, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery to fix the tear. During an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your shoulder joint.
Is rotator cuff surgery a major surgery?It is well known that rotator cuff surgery is a major operation where the rotator cuff tendons (Figure 1) are sewn back to the upper arm bone (humerus) (Figures 2 and 3). The other major reason patients have pain after rotator cuff surgery is due to stiffness of that shoulder.
How soon can you drive after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery?Post-Surgery
In general, you'll want to avoid driving a car for at least six to 12 weeks, or until your doctor has indicated you no longer need to wear a sling. Driving with one arm is unsafe, and the shoulder that underwent surgery shouldn't be moved too far away from the body.
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