Every year, as many as 2 million people visit their doctor due to a rotator cuff tear. While a large percentage of patients with rotator cuff tears have their symptoms resolve through nonsurgical methods, if you suffered trauma or the pain is severe and doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatments, then you may need rotator cuff surgery. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and arthroscopy surgical specialist Edmond Cleeman, MD, at Manhattan Orthopedics, with locations in Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Astoria in New York, can provide the surgery you need to repair the damage, reduce the pain, and improve shoulder function. For a consultation, call your nearest New York City office or request an appointment online today.
Your rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that helps stabilize the shoulder by keeping the ball in your arm attached to the socket in your shoulder. The tough tissue supports shoulder joint mobility, allowing you to lift and rotate your arm.
Rotator cuff tears can occur after an acute injury or due to the degenerative changes that occur over time, making the tough tendon more vulnerable to tears. A rotator cuff tear indicates that one or more of the tendons are no longer fully attached to your armbone.
If not properly treated, your rotator cuff tear can worsen and lead to chronic shoulder pain. In many people, a rotator cuff pain from degenerative changes can improve with nonsurgical treatments, such as medication and physical therapy.
However, if you suffered a traumatic tear or continue to experience pain after active participation in your nonsurgical program, then Dr. Cleeman may recommend surgery. Other reasons you may benefit from rotator cuff surgery include:
Dr. Cleeman is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who reviews all of your options during a consultation.
Dr. Cleeman specializes in arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a surgical camera so he doesn’t need to make large incisions through the tissue in your shoulder to make necessary repairs.
During the procedure, which is performed under anesthesia to reduce pain, Dr. Cleeman inserts the surgical camera through a tiny incision in your shoulder to evaluate your shoulder and rotator cuff. He then creates additional tiny incisions for the surgical instruments to repair the tear.
Arthroscopic surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home afterward. Dr. Cleeman prescribes medication to help manage pain following your procedure.
You can expect a slow recovery following rotator cuff surgery. Immediately following the procedure, Dr. Cleeman requires you to keep your shoulder immobilized for up to six weeks and start a program of passive motion to help regain motion. This is followed by an active exercise motion program to improve joint mobility for another six weeks.
Once you’ve completed your motion training, Dr. Cleeman advances you to a more active exercise program to rebuild strength in your shoulder, arm, and back, which may require up to 12 weeks.
While the recovery is long, adherence to the plan created by Dr. Cleeman reduces pain and improves shoulder function.
To consult with the orthopedic surgical expert at Manhattan Orthopedics to discuss your rotator cuff surgery, call the office today or use the online booking tool.
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