Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder injury among athletes and non-athletes alike. Because the rotator cuff is a critical component in lifting and rotating the arm, a tear can result in significant shoulder weakness.
In some cases, nonsurgical treatments like rest, medications, and physical therapy may help to improve shoulder strength and function. However, for those who participate in sports or activities requiring overhead reaching, rotator cuff repair surgery is typically recommended.
Dr. Andrew Islam is highly skilled in rotator cuff repair surgery and performs a high volume of rotator cuff procedures every month. In addition to completing a fellowship at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation, he has received additional training in advanced techniques at courses around the world. He has also been invited as faculty to teach rotator cuff repair techniques to other orthopaedic surgeons. With Dr. Islam’s expertise in this procedure, you can trust that you will be in great hands.
Types & Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff can tear after an acute injury, such as a fall onto an outstretched arm, or as the result of degeneration over time. Degenerative rotator cuff tears are very common and can occur due to repetitive stress during sports or other activities. Bone spurs can also contribute to degenerative tears.
Rotator cuff tears may be partial or full-thickness. Partial tears mean that the tendon is damaged, but has not completely separated from the bone. Full-thickness tears, also called complete tears, occur when the tendon has completely separated from the bone.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tears can include shoulder pain while at rest or while lying on the shoulder at night, pain and weakness when lifting and lowering the arm, and a crackling sensation in the shoulder when moving the arm. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.
Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
Not every patient needs rotator cuff repair surgery. Some cases can be treated with nonsurgical methods. Dr. Islam evaluates each patient on a case by case basis, considering the patient’s individual needs and complaints before deciding whether to proceed with surgery or not. Surgery is usually recommended to decrease pain and increase function of the affected shoulder.
If you and Dr. Islam agree that surgery is the best option, the procedure can typically be done on an outpatient basis. Dr. Islam often performs rotator cuff repairs arthroscopically, using a small camera called an arthroscope to view the damaged rotator cuff through a small incision. Dr. Islam then makes 3-4 more small incisions, less than a centimeter in size, to insert surgical instruments and repair the rotator cuff. The procedure typically lasts about an hour.
The benefit of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is that the smaller incisions often take less time to heal and result in less blood loss during surgery and less pain after surgery. This helps patients begin to mobilize the shoulder sooner after surgery, which can lead to quicker recovery times.
Recovering from Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
Patients are typically able to go home the day of surgery, after spending 1-2 hours in recovery. Most patients will need to wear a sling for about 4 weeks.
Dr. Islam often recommends a special motorized chair for patients to use at home in the initial phase of recovery. The chair gently moves the arm, helping you regain initial range of motion. When Dr. Islam feels you are ready, you will be transferred to outpatient physical therapy to continue working on strength and range of motion as you heal. Dr. Islam’s practice has over 20 physical therapy locations available to patients throughout Cincinnati. His practice offers an athlete-focused physical therapy program called BOOST to help athletes return to sports safely after an injury.
Patients are typically cleared to return to all normal activities within 4-6 months of surgery, and can expect to experience further improvement for 6-12 months afterward.
Rotator Cuff Repair in in Cincinnati, OH and Surrounding Communities
Dr. Andrew Islam has received extensive training in rotator cuff repairs and performs a high volume of rotator cuff repairs each year. With several convenient office locations throughout the Cincinnati area offering imaging tests and physical therapy onsite, Dr. Islam and the TriHealth team are here to help. If you think rotator cuff surgery may be right for you, please contact one of Dr. Islam’s four office locations to schedule a consultation, or fill out our appointment request form. Dr. Islam and his team look forward to helping you!
Additional Source Material
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgical Treatment Options