Your shoulder is one of your most mobile joints and also one of the most commonly injured. A rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in charge of stabilizing and supporting the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons can become weak or damaged, leading to pain and limited mobility.
Rotator cuff repair is one of the most effective treatments for it. However, you may be interested in more conservative treatments. So, are there non-invasive methods to perform a repair on a damaged rotator cuff? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The rotator cuff is made up of structures that simply do not heal on their own. As such, surgical repair is necessary for any type of physical repair.
Rotator Cuff Repair
There are several ways in which rotator cuff repair can be done. Read on to learn more about each method.
1. Open Surgical Rotator Cuff Repair
The most common type of rotator cuff repair is open surgical rotator cuff repair. Surgeons perform this procedure under general anesthesia and make an incision in the shoulder. The incisions are usually about four to five inches long. That way, the surgeon can access the damaged muscles and tendons.
Open surgery is the most invasive type of rotator cuff repair. Orthopedic doctors recommend it for patients who have large tear rotator cuff tears.
This type of repair comes with the risk of complications such as infection, blood clots, and nerve damage. However, these risks come with all surgical procedures. It also typically has the longest recovery time, taking four to six months for most patients.
2. Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. This procedure requires general anesthesia, but the surgeon only makes minor incisions.
Your surgeon inserts a camera, called an arthroscope, into the shoulder joint through one of the incisions. The other incisions are for surgical instruments. The surgeon can then repair the damage by stitching the torn tendons to the bone or using surgical staples.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has a shorter recovery time than open surgery. Most patients take about two to three months to recover.
However, this procedure isn’t suitable for everyone. It can only help with small to medium tears. Patients who have large tears may need open surgery.
3. Mini-Open Rotator Cuff Repair
A mini-open rotator cuff repair is a less invasive alternative to open surgery. Surgeons perform it under general anesthesia, but they only make small incisions. These cuts are about three to five inches long.
The surgeon then inserts an arthroscope and surgical instruments through the incision. They use the camera as a guide to the damaged muscles and tendons.
A mini-open rotator cuff repair has a shorter recovery time than open surgery, but you may need longer to heal than if you had arthroscopic surgery. Most patients take about three to four months to recover.
This procedure is also only suitable for small to medium tears.
4. All-Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
All-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a new minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and only requires two small incisions.
The difference between an all-arthroscopic repair and an arthroscopy is that the former doesn’t require stitches or staples.
All-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is the least invasive rotator cuff repair procedure. It also has the shortest recovery time. However, it is only suitable for minor tears.
The Best Rotator Cuff Repair for You
The best rotator cuff repair for you will depend on the severity of your injury. An all-arthroscopic or arthroscopic repair may be the best option if you have a small tear.
If you have a medium tear, you may be a candidate for a mini-open or arthroscopic procedure. You will likely need open surgery if you have a large tear.
No matter what type of rotator cuff repair you need, choosing an experienced orthopedic provider is vital. An upper extremity surgeon who is fellowship-trained in shoulder surgery is ideal.
You should also ensure your surgeon has experience performing the type of rotator cuff repair you need.
Rotator Cuff Repair In Clarksville, MD
There are several types of rotator cuff repair, ranging from minimally invasive to open surgery. The repair you need will depend on the severity of your injury. Consult an experienced orthopedic surgeon to discuss your treatment options.
Do you need rotator cuff repair in Clarksville? Look no further than Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. We have a team of expert and compassionate providers who can give you the best care you deserve. You may call our friendly staff at (410) 296-6232 to learn about our comprehensive services. You may also use our secure online request form to consult about rotator cuff repair in Baltimore.
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