Rotator Cuff Tear

Expert Shoulder Surgeons in Orange County, CA

The Anatomy of the Rotator Cuff

Although there are many reasons for shoulder pain, a common problem for people over 40 years of age is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is comprised of the muscles and tendons that surround the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) and hold it in the shoulder joint. A tear may result suddenly from a single traumatic event or develop gradually because of repetitive overhead activities.

Causes of a Rotator Cuff Tear

Repetitive overhead motion such as pitching or painting a ceiling; heavy lifting; excessive force, such as a fall; and degeneration due to aging, including a reduction in the blood supply to the tendon can all lead to rotator cuff tears.

Rotator Cuff Tear Symptoms

Symptoms of rotator cuff tears include recurrent, constant pain; muscle weakness, especially when attempting to lift the arm; “grating” or cracking sounds when the arm is moved; and limited motion. Rotator cuff tears usually occur in the dominant arm (right shoulder for right-handed people; left shoulder for left-handed people).

Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Options

Rotator cuff tears may be partial- or full-thickness. Partial-thickness tears do not completely sever the tendon and may respond well to non-operative treatments. Full-thickness tears require surgery to correct. Surgery may also be used to treat partial-thickness tears that do not respond to non-operative treatment.

Your doctor will prescribe a treatment regimen based on your injury and your need for pain relief, movement and function. In most cases, the initial treatment is non-surgical and will include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to help control pain; strengthening and stretching exercises as part of a physical therapy program; and good old-fashioned rest. Ultrasound can enhance the delivery of topically applied drugs and has thermal effects that may also help in the healing process.

Rotator Cuff Tear Surgical Treatment Options

There are several surgical options to treat rotator cuff tears, depending on the size, depth, and location of the tear. If other problems with the shoulder are discovered during the surgery, they will be corrected as well. Surgical options include:

• Arthroscopy, in which miniature instruments are inserted into small incisions, can be used to remove bone spurs or inflammatory portions of muscle and to repair lesser tears.
• A mini-open repair that combines arthroscopy and a small incision can be used to treat full-thickness tears.
• In more severe cases, open surgery is required to repair the injured tendon. Sometimes a tissue transfer or a tendon graft is used. Joint replacement is also an option.

It takes some time to recover from shoulder surgery. Full functioning may not return for six months or more. Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend a program of exercises to strengthen and restore motion. Your commitment to following the program outlined will make a difference in the ultimate results. Although every case is unique, surgery can relieve pain for most people and rehabilitation can restore functional range of motion.

Schedule a consultation with a Newport Orthopedic Institute orthopedic shoulder surgeon in Orange County to treat your rotator cuff tear arthritis. Call (949) 722-7038.