The rotator cuff is made up of four small muscles that help rotate and stabilize the shoulder joint. Any damage to one of the four muscles or their ligaments is considered a rotator cuff tear. It is important to receive the proper treatment for this kind of shoulder tear in order to decrease shoulder pain and restore strength and function to the shoulder joint.

The Shoulder Surgery Center of Excellence in Los Angeles offers a team of renowned orthopedic surgeons who specializes in the comprehensive care of shoulder injuries and chronic conditions of the shoulder joint. If you think you may be suffered a rotator cuff tear, don’t hesitate to call us at (888) 847-0357 for an appointment.

Causes and Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury

Tearing of the muscles or ligaments in the rotator cuff can be the result of acute injury, repetitive overuse, or gradual degeneration with aging. This shoulder tear causes inflammation of the shoulder muscles and soft tissue that can result in pain with the slightest rotation of the shoulder or arm. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury may include the following:

• Pain located over the outside of the shoulder and upper arm
• Pain when rotating the shoulder and performing overhead movements
• Loss of range-of-motion in the shoulder
• Decrease in arm or shoulder strength

This shoulder tear is typically diagnosed by our shoulder specialists through physical examination and MRI imaging. MRI scans can reveal the location of this shoulder injury and the amount of tissue damage involved.

When Is Surgery Recommended for Rotator Cuff Injury?

Some patients with a partial tendon or muscle tear may choose to undergo conservative therapy. Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections can provide pain relief, while rest and physical therapy can help the body heal. The best candidates for this approach are those who only have a partial tear in their rotator cuff and do not place high demand on their shoulder during everyday activities.

A complete tear in one of the rotator cuff ligaments or muscles can not be resolved through conservative therapy. Surgical repair of a rotator cuff injury can resolve pain from damaged tissue within the shoulder joint and restore normal mobility to the arm and shoulder.

The Shoulder Surgery Center of Excellence offers orthopedic surgeons specializing in arthroscopic shoulder muscle and tendon repair, a highly effective, minimally invasive shoulder surgery. We recommend that patients who fit any of the following criteria consider shoulder muscle and tendon repair surgery:

• Large or complete rotator cuff tear
• Weakness preventing the performance of daily activities
• Shoulder pain when resting at night
• The need to use the shoulder for sports or work

Rotator Cuff Tear Repair

Repairing a torn rotator cuff involves reconnecting the damaged tendon to the shoulder bone and removing loose fragments of tendon and other debris that cause irritation of the shoulder joint. At the Shoulder Surgery Center of Excellence, our surgeons primarily utilize shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair surgery. Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique which uses high-tech fiber optic devices inserted through small incisions to preserve the normal shoulder anatomy. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a highly effective rotator cuff repair method with a reduced risk of complications and faster recovery time compared with traditional open shoulder surgery.

In some cases, open shoulder surgery is needed to repair a completely torn rotator cuff with significant soft tissue damage. Our orthopedic surgeons are experienced at performing both open and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and will work with you to determine the best solution for your shoulder injury.

Recovery from Rotator Cuff Surgery

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home within a day of surgery. Patients typically wear a shoulder sling after the surgery and undergo several months of physical therapy to rebuild strength and stability in the shoulder.

At the Shoulder Surgery Center of Excellence, our top priority is to provide exceptional results for our patients within a comfortable environment. Our orthopedic surgeons are experts in the latest minimally invasive shoulder procedures, and are trained in both the conservative management and surgical correction of these shoulder injuries.

Contact a Los Angeles Shoulder Surgeon

The Shoulder Surgery Center of Excellence offers renowned orthopedic surgeons specializing in the comprehensive treatment of shoulder injuries and chronic shoulder joint conditions. If you have specific questions about rotator cuff injury and treatment, or have been experiencing shoulder pain, contact our Los Angeles shoulder surgeons by calling (888) 847-0357.

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Please read this article on Rotator Cuff Tears and Injuries from the WedMD.

Next, read about shoulder capsule release.