Rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement are two of the most common shoulder injuries, especially among athletes. The two conditions can be treated with a similar surgical approach, but rotator cuff surgery and shoulder impingement surgery are different. Below, we will take a look at the nature of each condition, and how they can be treated surgically.

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a set of four tendons and ligaments that keep the shoulder stable and are responsible for moving the shoulder. The rotator cuff may tear in response to repetitive stress or sudden, traumatic force. This can cause pain and limit the arm’s range of motion. Left untreated, a torn rotator cuff could lead to more serious conditions, like osteoarthritis, so rotator cuff surgery may be necessary.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement is a repetitive stress injury that most commonly occurs in athletes who take the shoulder through its full range of motion, such as in swimming or tennis. With shoulder impingement, the space between the rotator cuff and part of the shoulder blade narrows, so that the two structures rub against each other. This causes pain and inflammation, and could lead to joint degeneration if left untreated.

Surgery

Depending on how severe the shoulder injury is, as well as on the patient’s health and activity levels, it may be necessary to treat either rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement with surgery. Both conditions can usually be treated with arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive form of shoulder surgery. Here’s what you can expect in shoulder impingement or rotator cuff surgery:

• The procedure occurs in an outpatient clinic
• You will be placed under local anesthesia and sedation (“conscious sedation”)
• The doctor will make two or more small incisions near the shoulder
• Through one incision, the doctor inserts a camera. The camera provides a high-quality, real-time image of the inside of the shoulder
• Through the other incision(s), the doctor inserts surgical tools and begins to operate
• The doctor uses several stitches to seal the incisions
• You can return home the same day

Recovery 

Patients can return home the same day as surgery, and most patients can return to desk jobs and some other normal activities within a week of surgery. However, it usually takes months to restore the shoulder’s full range of motion and strength. During this time, use of the shoulder will be quite limited, and most athletes will not be able to train.

If you are interested in treatment for your shoulder injury, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.