Every year, more roughly 2 million people in the United States experience an issue with their rotator cuff – the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons crucial for strength and movement in the shoulder. There are a number of treatment options for healing a torn rotator cuff. The right approach depends on a number of factors unique to each patient’s needs.
Torn Rotator Cuff
Some rotator cuff tears do not require surgical treatment. However, continuing to use a shoulder without intervention despite having pain can increase damage. To avoid more damage to the shoulder, it is important to seen by an orthopedic specialist and get treated as soon as possible. The goal of non-surgical treatment is to decrease the amount of pain felt and to restore full function in the shoulder.
Non-surgical treatment options for torn rotator cuff include:
- Rest – Sometimes all your body needs is time and rest to heal itself. Rest may be prescribed with or without the use of a sling to keep your shoulder still. Additionally, you may be advised to modify your activities to avoid movements causing pain.
- Medication – Medication can be prescribed in order to reduce swelling and inflammation, as well as reduce pain.
- Injections – Injections of steroids can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Injections of pain medication can directly reduce pain in the area.
- Exercising and Physical Therapy – Therapy and exercise can help to improve strength and to return flexibility to the affected shoulder. Additionally, increasing strength can help to avoid further injuries.
Surgical Treatment Options for Torn Rotator Cuff
Surgery is a common treatment option for a torn rotator cuff. This course of action is typically recommended if less invasive treatment options are unsuccessful.
Other reasons why surgery may be the chosen treatment method include:
- Having pain or symptoms of a torn rotator cuff or longer than six months
- Having a large tear unlikely to heal correctly without surgical intervention
- The loss of function and mobility in the shoulder
- Recent injury requiring an immediate response
When surgery is used, there are different approaches that may be used in different circumstances.
Open Incision
This treatment option uses the traditional approach to surgery and accesses the injured are via a large incision. This approach may be used in the tear is large or if other surgical interventions are needed for other areas in the shoulder.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Rather than one large incision, through arthroscopic surgery, multiple smaller incisions are made. Through these access points, skilled orthopedic experts are able to insert cameras and robotic surgical tools. The surgeon then moves the robotic tools from outside of the body. This procedure allows for smaller movements to be made and avoids a large incision. Additionally, because less of the body is disturbed, arthroscopic surgical techniques heal faster and result in less pain.
Mini Open Incision
The mini open surgical approach combines an open incision with arthroscopic techniques. This technique may be used in order to address multiple surgical issues while maintaining the accuracy provided with arthroscopic surgery.
Preeminent Torn Rotator Cuff Treatment Provider
To discover which treatment option is the best to alleviate your rotator cuff pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Howard Marans at OCOrthopedic+. The Doctor will craft an individualized treatment plan uniquely tailored to address your needs. Please click the icon below to schedule your consultation at OC Orthopedic+ – or – call 714.979.8981.