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I have a torn rotator cuff. Should it be repaired?

Dr. Prodromos - Chicago (Glenview) orthopedic - knee shoulde...
Most torn rotator cuffs should be repaired. Repair results are best when the tears are small. If left as is, the tears often grow, and if they become too big, may become irreparable.
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Sports Medicine, Therapy, Rehabilitation and Surgery- Mass G...
Most rotator cuff tears can be repaired surgically by reattaching the torn tendon(s) to the humerus. This can be accomplished either arthroscopically or through a formal open procedure. Sutures are attached to the torn tendons. Tiny holes are made in the humerus where the tendons were attached and the sutures are passed through the bone and tied, securing the rotator cuff tendons back to the humerus. The tendons heal back to the bone, reestablishing the normal tendon-to-bone connection.
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What are the treatment options available for a torn rotator cuff?

Frequently Asked Questions
Acromioplasty and subacromian decompression: In this technique, the bursal tissue under the acromion is cleared and the undersurface of acromion on which the cuff muscles move, is made smooth, to reduce the friction and further damage. Debridement: In cases of partial thickness tears, that are less than 50 %, the torn areas are freshened and left alone.
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What is the rotator cuff?

Sports Medicine, Therapy, Rehabilitation and Surgery- Mass G...
The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles and its tendons that surround the shoulder joint. It is responsible for your shoulder's strength and dynamic stability, permitting your arm to move in a vast arc of motion. The muscles of the rotator cuff help stabilize the shoulder and enable you to lift your arm, reach overhead, and take part in activities such as throwing, swimming and tennis.
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What are the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff?

VoyForums: A DIFFERENT KIND OF MOUNTAIN
Normally a person with a torn rotator cuff will feel pain over the top and outer side of the shoulder. The pain may radiate down your arm. This is more obvious when you raise or extend your arm, or when you lower your arm to the side after you have moved your shoulder backward and raised your arm. Simple tasks like getting dressed can be painful. Sleeping may be difficult because the pain wakes you up at night. Your shoulder may also feel weak. Sometimes there is a "popping" sound when you move.
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What is a torn rotator cuff?

Frequently Asked Questions
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and their related muscles that help keep the shoulder and upper arm bone securely placed in to the socket of the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder joint and helps you to raise and rotate your arms. There are three stages of rotator cuff tears: A stage 1 tear is a partial tear less than 1 cm in size. It is accompanied by some pain following overhead arm movements, but range of motion is not limited.
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How do you get a rotator cuff tear?

Frequently Asked Questions -- C. Thomas Vangsness, Jr., M.D....
Rotator cuff tears can result from a traumatic event. However, they generally occur as part of the aging process of the collagen in the tendons about the shoulder.
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The questions: what's the name of the injured part? Rotator cuff?

Trigger points & ART (Active Release Therapy) - IronOnli...
Naming the injured part would require an examination by a trained specialist.. not possible over the net IMO...
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Do I need surgery for my rotator cuff?

Frequently Asked Questions
Rotator cuff problems, which have developed insidiously, are treated initially non-operatively with rest, analgesics, ice massage and activity modification. If the symptoms do not respond to these measures, investigations like Ultrasonogram or MRI are required to identify any tears in the rotator cuff. X-rays will not show rotator cuff, but they will show any bony abnormalities that indicate cuff disease.
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What kind of symptoms would I have if I had a rotator cuff tear?

Frequently Asked Questions -- C. Thomas Vangsness, Jr., M.D....
The main symptom is pain, especially pain that prevents you from sleeping or wakes you from sleeping at night. Other symptoms are general weakness and inability to use the shoulder, especially in the overhead position. Rotator cuff tears do not heal on their own. However, symptoms of pain can decrease and the function of the shoulder can improve with physical therapy such that surgery may not be necessary.
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What kinds of treatment options are there for me if I have a rotator cuff tear?

Frequently Asked Questions -- C. Thomas Vangsness, Jr., M.D....
The first treatment option is a smart course of physical therapy to maintain motion in the shoulder and work towards increasing the strength power and endurance of the rotator cuff muscles. If this conservative management with a strong emphasis on a home exercise program, does not decrease pain and increase function, then surgical alternatives are often considered.
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What type of surgery is done for a rotator cuff tear?

Frequently Asked Questions -- C. Thomas Vangsness, Jr., M.D....
Rotator cuff surgery is primarily done by arthroscopy, through a few small incisions. All damaged rotator cuff structures can be identified and repaired with specialized instruments and highly engineered sewing techniques that reattach the torn tendon(s) back to the humerus.
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What Is Done In Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Frequently Asked Questions
Copyright © 2002-2005 Health Information Publications. The information provided on this Web site has been developed exclusively by and for Health Information Publications and ehealthMD and may not be copied without written permission. The information provided is for general information only and is not intended to replace the advice of your health-care provider. This is original material developed by Health Information Publications, Copyright © 1990-2005
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What are rotator cuff disorders?

Rotator Cuff Disorders
The rotator cuff is a group of strong, ropelike fibers (tendons) and muscles in the shoulder . Rotator cuff disorders occur when tissues in the shoulder get irritated or damaged. Rotator cuff disorders include: Inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or of a bursa (bursitis). In the shoulder, a bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that serves as a cushion between the tendons and the bones.
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Should I have rotator cuff surgery?

Rotator Cuff Disorders
Rotator cuff disorders are caused by a combination of factors. Normally, the rotator cuff moves within a confined space called the subacromial space. Also within that space is a small sac of fluid (subacromial bursa), which serves as a cushion between the tendons and bone. When the subacromial space becomes smaller due to inflammation, bone spurs, or fluid buildup, the rotator cuff tendons may be squeezed and rub against bone (impingement).
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Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?

Frequently Asked Questions
No. Degenerative Rotator cuff tears, which develop gradually, are part of aging process. Many tears remain asymptomatic. Rehabilitation will result in good range of movement and pain improvement. But the strength will not improve. On the other hand, large cuff tears, profound weakness and an acute traumatic event causing the tear will give bad results if treated non-operatively. The surgeon will consider all these factors and will suggest the appropriate treatment for each patient.
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What is an irritated rotator cuff?

Ingalls Health System
Excessive wear on the rotator cuff can lead to severe irritation, roughening, and eventually ulceration and tearing of the cuff. An irritated rotator cuff is felt as a clicking or popping in the shoulder from a ragged piece of the cuff sliding under the shoulder bone, and arm weakness. Occasionally, injuries or infections can all lead to arthritis, although arthritis of the shoulder is less common than in the knee or hip.
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How invasive is rotator cuff repair surgery?

Dr. Prodromos - Chicago (Glenview) orthopedic - knee shoulde...
At our clinic almost all rotator cuff repairs are performed arthroscopically through quarter-inch portals without any further incision. Patients return home on the day of surgery.
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What can be done to prevent rotator cuff problems?

Frequently Asked Questions
Maintain flexibility by stretching the shoulders, especially before engaging in a strenuous activity like tennis. Use shoulders wisely. Activities such as hammering, throwing a softball, or lifting a heavy weight overhead can put tremendous strain on the shoulder and rotator cuff. Don't do more than you're accustomed to doing.
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Why is the rotator cuff so important to the shoulder?

Frequently Asked Questions
The rotator cuff consists of four tendons, each of which is part of a shoulder muscle. If one or more of those tendons is damaged, that muscle cannot move the arm like it is supposed to. If it's torn, the muscle can't do its job at all. A damaged or torn rotator cuff causes several problems:
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What causes rotator cuff disorders?

Rotator Cuff Disorders
Normal wear and tear. Using your shoulder for many years slowly damages the rotator cuff. As you age, everyday activities can lead to changes in the rotator cuff, such as thinning and fraying of the tendons and decreased blood supply. Overuse. Activities in which you use your arms above your head a lot-such as tennis, swimming, or house painting-can lead to rotator cuff problems. Even normal motions made often over a long period can stress or injure the rotator cuff.
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How are rotator cuff disorders diagnosed?

Rotator Cuff Disorders
To diagnose a rotator cuff disorder, doctors ask about any shoulder injuries or past shoulder pain. They also do a physical exam to see how well the shoulder works and to find painful areas or activities. Moving your arm in certain ways can help a doctor learn about the condition of the rotator cuff. You may have an X-ray to check the bones of the shoulder. If the diagnosis is still unclear, the doctor may order an imaging test, such as an MRI or an ultrasound.
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I've heard it's possible to rehab a torn rotator cuff without surgery. How is that possible?

Regional Orthopedic Center
I'd like to know what's the fastest recovery time possible for shoulder surgery? I'm having a labral tear repaired and I want to get back to sports absolutely as fast as possible.
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Should my torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) be repaired?

Dr. Prodromos - Chicago (Glenview) orthopedic - knee shoulde...
In most cases, yes. A torn ACL renders the knee unstable in pivoting and jumping. This can lead to cartilage damage and arthritis. ACL reconstruction helps prevent these problems and restore an active lifestyle. If you are older or content with a more sedentary lifestyle, non-surgical treatment may be suitable.
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Why do rotator cuff injuries heal slowly?

Frequently Asked Questions
The rotator cuff, like all tendons, receives little blood. All bodily tissues need blood to heal. Parts of the body that have a better blood supply heal faster that those with a poor supply of blood.
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Are there any early warning signs of rotator cuff problems?

Frequently Asked Questions
Many people experience weakness, pain, swelling, and/or stiffness in the shoulder long before the rotator cuff actually tears. That's because, while some rotator cuff tears happen suddenly as a result of a fall or injury, most develop gradually, as a result of wear-and-tear on the rotator cuff.If these early warning signs are heeded, physical therapy and other treatments may be able to resolve the problem without surgery.
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How does the shoulder work, and what does the rotator cuff do?

Rotator Cuff Disorders
The shoulder is a joint with three main bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the collarbone (clavicle), and the shoulder blade (scapula). The bones are held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The rotator cuff keeps the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket and lets you raise and twist your arm. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball at the top the upper arm bone fits into the socket of the shoulder blade.
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