How to Know If You Need Rotator Cuff Surgery
Do you have deep pain in your shoulder that gets worse at night? Difficulty raising and lowering your arm? Shoulder weakness that makes it hard to lift things? These symptoms may all point to a torn rotator cuff. They can make it challenging to perform daily activities as simple as putting on a shirt or brushing your hair.
So what is a rotator cuff, exactly? It’s a group of muscles and tendons that keep your upper arm bone (humerus) firmly within the socket of your shoulder blade (scapula). Think of it like glue that attaches your upper arm to your shoulder blade. Your rotator cuff allows you to lift and rotate your arm.
Rotator cuff issues are fairly common. Nearly 2 million people in the United States see a doctor each year due to rotator cuff tears. If you’ve had shoulder pain for a while, you may be wondering if rotator cuff surgery is right for you.
It’s a big decision, and our experts can help. At Beebe Healthcare, several of our orthopaedic surgeons specialize in minimally invasive techniques, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Here are some signs that you may be a good candidate for surgery.
YOUR PAIN DOES NOT IMPROVE WITH NONSURGICAL TREATMENTS
Before recommending surgery, your doctor will most likely suggest conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and steroid injections. These treatments can decrease pain and help strengthen your shoulder to improve mobility. It can also help to wear a sling and allow your shoulder to rest.
If these treatments don’t ease your symptoms within six to 12 months, your doctor may recommend rotator cuff surgery. Pain that doesn’t go away is the main sign that you need surgery.
SHOULDER PAIN OR WEAKNESS MAKES IT HARD TO DO EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES OR YOUR JOB
When you’re dealing with shoulder pain, routine activities can become difficult. For example, it may be hard to reach for a glass in the cupboard or put on your jacket. You may even have trouble driving.
If your work involves repetitive shoulder movements, you may have a difficult time doing your job. Painters, carpenters, mechanics, and professional athletes who play sports like tennis or baseball are at higher risk for overuse injuries.
YOU HAVE A LARGE TEAR IN YOUR ROTATOR CUFF TENDON
Not all rotator cuff tears need surgery. In fact, approximately eight out of 10 people with partial tears (the tendon is partially torn but still attached to the bone ) can get better without surgery.
However, if you have a complete tear (the tendon has completely separated from the bone) that’s greater than 3 centimeters, you may be a good candidate for rotator cuff surgery.
YOUR SHOULDER PAIN IS DUE TO AN INJURY
Rotator cuff tears are usually degenerative, meaning they happen over time as you age and your tendon wears down. Most doctors recommend nonsurgical methods like pain relievers to treat these types of tears before suggesting surgery.
With a tear caused by an injury (acute tear), you may need surgery right away. Acute tears can occur if you lift something heavy using a jerking motion or fall with your arm outstretched. They can also happen if you break your collarbone or dislocate your shoulder.
YOUR DOCTOR THINKS YOU WOULD BENEFIT FROM SURGERY
Ultimately, your doctor is the best person to help you decide whether to get rotator cuff surgery. They will talk to you about your symptoms and order tests to confirm your diagnosis. An ultrasound or MRI can show the exact location of the tear and how large it is.
There are a few ways to repair a torn rotator cuff. At Beebe Healthcare, our orthopaedic specialists can help determine which option is right for you. The most common techniques are:
- Mini-open repair: This method combines open and arthroscopic repair. Your surgeon makes a smaller incision and uses arthroscopy to assess and treat damage to other parts of the shoulder joint. Then, they repair the rotator cuff through the open incision.
- All-arthroscopic repair: Your surgeon uses an arthroscope for the entire procedure. The arthroscope projects live video of your shoulder onto a monitor. Your surgeon uses the images to help them repair your rotator cuff using small, thin surgical instruments. This procedure uses tiny incisions and is the least invasive surgical method.
If you think you may need rotator cuff surgery, talk to your primary care provider about getting a referral to an orthopaedic specialist near you. Need a primary care provider? Call 302-645-3332 to schedule an appointment with a Beebe Healthcare doctor.
