Whatever issues you have with your shoulder, Healthnetwork Foundation can help . . .
The rotator cuff’s function is to move and stabilize the shoulder joint. Your joint contains a network of four muscles and tendons that connect the upper arm to your shoulder blade. Any type of irritation or damage to these muscles or tendons can cause a rotator cuff injury.
Injuries can be acute or chronic. An acute rotator cuff tear can result from lifting the arm against resistance or attempting to cushion a fall. You may experience a sudden tearing sensation followed by severe pain shooting from the upper shoulder area down the arm and a decreased range in motion. In the case of large tears, you will not be able to raise your arm out to the side (abduct).
A chronic tear is found among people in occupations or sports where there is excessive overhead activity. Chronic tears can also be a result of a structural problem within the shoulder like a bone spur or repetitive trauma to the muscle by everyday shoulder movement. People with chronic tears can experience pain that usually worsens at night and a decreased ability to move their arm out to the side.
Inflammation or irritation of a tendon, tendinitis, can appear in people who have excessive overhead activity. This condition is common in women 35-50 years of age and presents itself with a deep ache in the shoulder and the outside of the upper arm. Pain usually comes on gradually and becomes worse when lifting the arm out to the side or turning it inward.
Most cases of rotator cuff injuries can be successfully treated non-surgically with rest, ice, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections to relieve inflammation and pain.
To find out about surgical options for the repair of a rotator cuff injury, I spoke to Edward McFarland, M.D., vice-chairman of the department of Orthopedic Surgery and co-division director of the Division of Shoulder Surgery in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins.
How do you decide which surgical technique to use?
In my practice, I will use an arthroscopic technique for smaller tendon tears of around one or two centimeters. For larger tears, I still prefer to make a larger incision and repair the tendon under direct visualization, called an open technique. The surgical results appear to be nearly the same with either technique, but there is some evidence that larger tears of several tendons or more may be more successful with open techniques.
What are the outcomes of surgical repair?
The good news is that over 90% of people who have a rotator cuff repair will get pain relief. If the tendons heal completely, then the patient should have good strength and function, but it takes about six to nine months for complete healing. Even with successful surgery there may still be some weakness using the arm over shoulder level or when lifting away from your body.
Susan Locke, MD, is Healthnetwork Foundation’s Medical Director.
——————-
Legatus Healthnetwork is a life saver
I spent countless weeks going to a chiropractor for help with bulging discs. After many treatments, the reality of “no relief” was obvious. My physician advised me to consult pain management specialists, but I wanted to get rid of the pain source and did not want to be dependent on medications. My son suggested I reach out to Legatus Healthnetwork.
When I called, I spoke with Linda, Healthnetwork’s medical coordinator, who diligently did research. When she said, “I want to help you,” I knew she would find what I needed. She was sincere, honest and made me feel like I was the only one she was working with at the time. She was willing to look near and far in the Legatus Healthnetwork of contacts. I have nothing but praise for the physician and his staff. His team gave me five-star service.
This was the first time my son Eric Boggs had an experience with Legatus Healthnetwork, and he is ecstatic over all they did for me. My life has changed for the better because Healthnetwork put me in touch with the right physician. Now I feel like a new person!
Judith Boggs and her husband became Healthnetwork GOLD Supporters after her experience. Their son Eric Boggs is president of Gill Podiatry Supply Co. and a member of Legatus’ Cleveland Chapter.