Injuries to the rotator cuff (a group of muscles and tendons that keep your arm in your shoulder socket) are a common occurrence. According to reports, more than two million people in the United States experience some type of problem or injury to the rotator cuff every year. In most cases, orthopedists recommend less invasive treatment options, such as rest, medications, injections, and physical therapy to address these rotator cuff problems. However, in some cases rotator cuff surgery is necessary.
If you have a rotator cuff problem and are wondering if you are a candidate for rotator cuff repair surgery, this article is for you. Let’s talk about some factors that help your doctor decide your suitability for rotator cuff repair surgery and where you can go in Farmington Hills for rotator cuff repair surgery.
#1 Your Rotator Cuff Tear Is Large
Minor tears of the rotator cuff can be effectively monitored and treated with nonsurgical treatments. However, if your rotator cuff tendon tear is larger than 3 centimeters, surgery is recommended as an early intervention to increase the likelihood of successful recovery.
If the surgery is delayed for a large rotator cuff tear, the tear can become larger leading to permanent shortening of the tendon. It can also irreversibly weaken your shoulder muscles. So, surgery must be your first choice if you have a rotator cuff.
#2 Nonsurgical Treatment Options Have Not Been Successful
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), non-surgical treatments like rest, oral medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy can effectively resolve rotator cuff problems in approximately 80% of people. However, in approximately 20% of patients, nonsurgical interventions may not work.
Therefore, surgical interventions are suggested if nonsurgical treatment options fail to provide relief from shoulder pain, discomfort, and other symptoms even after several months (more than six months).
#3 You Have Severe Symptoms
Sometimes, in patients who have minimal pain after rotator cuff issues, surgery is delayed to achieve success with nonsurgical treatments. In contrast, surgical repair of the rotator cuff is recommended for patients with severe and more constant pain.
Surgery is also the best choice if your symptoms have made it difficult for you to perform your everyday tasks like brushing your teeth, getting dressed, and lifting household objects. A shoulder pain interfering with your night’s sleep also indicates that you need surgery for your rotator cuff problem.
Moreover, if you have a serious loss of function in your shoulder or serious weakness, surgery can restore your shoulder movements and function.
#4 Your Occupation Requires You to Maneuver Shoulder or Arms Lot
Many patient factors also play a vital role in determining the need for rotator cuff surgery. For instance, if your symptoms don’t interfere in your life; your problem lies in your non-dominant shoulder, or you live a sedentary life, you may not need surgery.
However, if you are someone whose occupation involves the use of the shoulder or if you are an athletic patient with an injured rotator cuff, you may need surgery to return to your job or activity of your choice.
Rotator Cuff Surgery Near Me in Farmington Hills, Michigan
At Tri County Orthopedics in Farmington Hills, Michigan, our orthopedic surgeons perform comprehensive surgical procedures, including minimally invasive rotator cuff surgeries, to help you get back to the lifestyle you love. Our surgeons take pride in their commitment to providing personalized and comprehensive care to countless patients who have general orthopedic problems, age-related musculoskeletal problems, sports injuries, and more.
To get treatment for your rotator cuff problem, call our office today at (248) 474-5575 or request an appointment online.
