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Welcome to the Boltuch Orthopedics blog! Shoulder pain can severely limit your ability to perform everyday activities, especially when it’s due to a rotator cuff injury. Today, we’ll explore rotator cuff repair, a surgical procedure designed to restore shoulder function and alleviate pain. Understanding the process, benefits, and recovery can help you make informed decisions about your shoulder health. We’ll also discuss the differences between partial-thickness and full-thickness tears.
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of shoulder movements. These muscles include:
A rotator cuff tear can occur due to acute injuries, such as a fall, or from degenerative changes over time.
A partial-thickness tear involves a portion of the tendon insertion on the greater tuberosity. There are three types of partial rotator cuff tears: superficial (bursal-sided), interstitial, or deep (articular-sided) tendon layers. Partial-thickness tears are commonly seen on MRIs of the shoulder and occur at an incidence of 20%-80% in individuals over the age of 50, with an increasing incidence noted with age.
Symptoms of Partial-Thickness Tears:
Treatment of Partial-Thickness Tears:
Partial-thickness tears are initially treated through non-surgical methods, including physical therapy to strengthen the remainder of the rotator cuff, cortisone injections for pain control, and PRP injections, which have shown positive effects. Follow-up studies indicate that partial-thickness tears can heal over time. However, approximately 50% of partial-thickness tears will progress to full-thickness tears. Surgical options include arthroscopic repair of the partial tear, completion of the tear and repair, or biological augmentation to stimulate rotator cuff healing.
A full-thickness tear, also known as a complete tear, involves the entire thickness of the tendon being torn away from the bone. Full-thickness tears can be acute and traumatic or more degenerative and chronic. Traumatic acute tears generally benefit from surgical intervention. Chronic tears are graded by MRI to determine their repairability based on tendon quality, muscular atrophy, and severity of retraction.
Symptoms of Full-Thickness Tears:
Rotator cuff repair surgery aims to reattach the torn tendon to its insertion at the top of the humerus. All arthroscopic techniques are used to perform rotator cuff repairs.
Arthroscopic Repair:
Rotator cuff repair surgery can be a highly effective solution for individuals suffering from persistent shoulder pain and dysfunction due to a torn rotator cuff. Whether you have a partial-thickness or full-thickness tear, understanding your treatment options is crucial for making informed decisions about your shoulder health. At Boltuch Orthopedics and Orthopaedic Associates of West Florida, we are dedicated to providing expert care and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and tips on orthopedic health. Wishing you a swift recovery and optimal shoulder health!
Andrew Boltuch, DO
Orthopaedic Associates of West Florida
If you're experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear, don't wait to seek treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve your chances of a full recovery and restore your quality of life. Speak with Dr. Andrew Boltuch to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.
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