Landa Spine & Orthopedic Center now offers arthroscopic rotator cuff repair treatment at their NJ clinics. Complete rotator cuff tears do not always heal on their own. If conservative measures such as rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy are not successful, then you may need arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. This procedure is used to reattach torn rotator cuff tendons.
Causes and Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries are often the result of either substantial trauma to the shoulder or progressive degeneration. The risk increases with:
- Age. People over 40 are more likely to experience rotator cuff tears.
- Sports. Athletes who use repetitive arm movements such as tennis players, archers, and baseball pitchers are at greater risk.
- Construction jobs. Jobs such as house painting and carpentry require repetitive overhead arm motions that can lead to rotator cuff damage over time.
- Family history. Rotator cuff injuries appear to have a genetic component.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
- A deep, dull ache in the shoulder
- Trouble sleeping, particularly when lying on the affected side
- Difficulty reaching behind your back or combing your hair
- Arm weakness
Overview of surgery
During arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the surgeon uses an arthroscope – a small video camera – to inspect the damaged joint. The arthroscope requires only a tiny incision. The surgeon then removes any loose tendon fragments from the joint and examines the fragments to determine whether more treatment is needed. If there are bone spurs, they are smoothed using a special tool to prevent further damage. If there is a torn rotator cuff, it is repaired; the type of repair depends on how large and severe the tear is. Anchors are placed where needed, and the tear in the tendon is sutured.
After the procedure, the patient’s arm is typically placed in a sling for a time to allow the shoulder to rest and heal. Physical therapy is very helpful in restoring shoulder strength and range of motion. Over time, the tendon naturally re-attaches to the humerus, and complete healing takes place.
Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive take on orthopedic medicine. It has become a popular approach to many joint injuries. Because it’s minimally invasive, it typically results in less pain and scarring post-procedure. Patients enjoy shorter recovery times, too, since arthroscopic surgery minimizes the need to cut through tendons and muscles. That means a quicker return to your daily routine. Another advantage of arthroscopic surgery is less overall risk because of the minimally-invasive nature of these procedures.
Contact Landa Spine & Orthopedic Center
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can help treat severe injuries to the shoulder tendon such as complete tears. Landa Spine & Orthopedic Center offers this and other minimally-invasive procedures to give their patients the best possible outcomes with the least risk and shortest downtimes. If you are experiencing back pain or think that a minimally-invasive procedure might be right for you, contact Landa Spine & Orthopedic Center today.