Rotator cuff tears can happen when you least expect them. However, your vulnerability increases if your sport or job description entails repetitive overhead arm movement. Lucky for you, skillful West Chester orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ronald has extensive experience in restoring shoulder functions. If you encounter symptoms resembling a rotator cuff tear, Call the elite providers or make an appointment online for a customized treatment plan.
What is a Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff denotes a set of muscles and tendons in your shoulder that regulate most of the joint’s movement. They are in charge of keeping the ball section of your shoulder joint, the head of the humerus, in position in the socket of your shoulder blade.
A bursa is a sac that rests between your rotator cuff and the bone at the top of your shoulder and helps the joint move freely. If you damage your rotator cuff, you may also have hurt the bursa.
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a rupture or tear in any of your rotator cuff’s muscles or tendons. Some rotator cuff tears develop gradually over time, beginning with a minor rip and progressing to become more severe. Others are severe injuries that occur abruptly.
Partial tears refer to muscular tears affecting the rotator cuff that do not destroy the entire tendon or muscle. On the other hand, full-thickness tears separate one of the tendons from the head of the humerus bone.
Shoulder soreness or hurting, as well as shoulder weakness, are symptoms of rotator cuff injuries. Since the shoulder supports the broadest range of motion of any of your joints, you’ll feel a substantial difference in flexibility if you have any rotator cuff rupture.
How Do Rotator Cuff Tears Develop?
Rotator cuff tears may happen due to a threatening injury or as a result of gradual deterioration. Acute shoulder injuries occur when carrying heavy goods or falling on outstretched arms.
Aging can cause degenerative tears. On the other hand, bone spurs, poor circulation, and repetitive movements can hasten their development.
During diagnosis, your Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine specialists scrutinize for additional injuries that may have contributed to the rotator cuff tear or occurred concurrently, such as shoulder dislocations.
Is There Treatment for Rotator Cuffs?
Rotator cuff tears are generally responsive to more conventional treatments. That notwithstanding, Dr. Hess can perform minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries to mend the tear where necessary. Conservative therapies for rotator cuff tears include:
· Physical therapy
· Over-the-counter pain relievers
· Heat and ice therapy
· Activity modification
· Steroid injections
Dr. Hess may suggest surgery if the above measures are insufficient, have ongoing pain for 6-12 months, or where the pain is immense.
Your provider employs a small lighted camera on a tube to navigate the shoulder joint through portals during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. With these images, he can manipulate small surgical tools for an effective repair. Additionally, he employs proven methods like dual-row fixation or augmentation with a graft to fortify the weak tendons.
Contact Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine on the phone or use the online booking feature to arrange an appointment.