When considering rotator cuff surgery, the MRI alone is not the sole defining factor in whether or not you would require surgery. The decision should be based on a combination of factors including your physical activity level, age, job requirements, physical exam, weakness, pain, and acuity of injury. In some cases, the re-tear rate following rotator cuff repair may be as high as 50%. The rotator cuff stabilizes the head of the humerus and maintained its contact and motion with the glenoid. Is also described as a golf ball sitting on a tee. The rotator cuff is composed of 4 muscles that originate at the scapula/shoulder blade. These muscles consist of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis muscle. The supraspinatus primarily functions for shoulder flexion or lifting your arm in front of you and infraspinatus functions for external rotation.
Biceps tenodesis treats biceps tendon tears caused by injury or overuse. The procedure also treats SLAP (superior labrum anterior-posterior) tears — tears in your labrum. Biceps tenodesis is done by detaching your biceps tendon from your labrum and moving the tendon to your upper arm bone (humerus).
Subacromial Decompression is an arthroscopic procedure designed to release the tight ligament of the coracoacromial arch and to shave away some of the undersurfaces of the acromion. This raises the roof of the shoulder, allowing more room for the rotator cuff tendons to move underneath.
The rotator cuff is a common source of pain in the shoulder. Tendinitis: The rotator cuff tendons can be irritated or thickened secondary to overuse or impingement. Bursitis: The bursa can become inflamed and swell with more fluid causing pain. Impingement: When you raise your arm to shoulder height, the space between the acromion and rotator cuff narrows. The acromion can rub against (or impinge on) the tendon and the bursa, causing irritation and pain. When considering rotator cuff surgery, the MRI alone is not the sole defining factor in whether or not you would require surgery. The decision should be based on a combination of factors including your physical activity level, age, job requirements, physical exam, weakness, pain, and acuity of injury. The rotator cuff stabilizes the head of the humerus and maintained its contact and motion with the glenoid. Is also described as a golf ball sitting on a tee. The rotator cuff is composed of 4 muscles that originate at the scapula/shoulder blade. These muscles consist of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis muscle. The supraspinatus primarily functions for shoulder flexion or lifting your arm in front of you and the infraspinatus functions for external rotation.
Typically, physical therapy is the first line treatment for any partial thickness rotator cuff tears. There is no guarantee that you will regain full strength with physical therapy or surgery.
Another option could include Platelet Rich Plasma injections (PRP). PRP is a form of orthobiologic treatment that utilizes the patient’s own blood to stimulate healing of tissues. Approximately 90-120 ml of blood is withdrawn via venipuncture. The blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolated a layer of platelets. These platelets contain a number of growth factors which stimulate a healing response. The PRP is injected via ultrasound guidance into the injured tissue such as the rotator cuff tendons. This has been shown to be effective in partial thickness rotator cuff tears. These considerations have growing evidence to support efficacy, but are still considered experimental and therefore not covered by insurance. You should discuss payment options with your local provider should you elect to move forward with this treatment.
The rotator cuff is a common source of pain in the shoulder. Tendinitis: The rotator cuff tendons can be irritated or thickened secondary to overuse or impingement. Bursitis: The bursa can become inflamed and swell with more fluid causing pain. Impingement: When you raise your arm to shoulder height, the space between the acromion and rotator cuff narrows. The acromion can rub against (or impinge on) the tendon and the bursa, causing irritation and pain.