Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that are responsible for strength and range of motion of the shoulder and arm. These tendons attach to the humerus head inside the shoulder joint and help to keep it firmly within the shallow socket in the glenoid. When tendons in the rotator cuff are injured or torn, it can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder and arm, which may require treatment or surgery. At Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center, we perform rotator cuff repair surgery at our clinic in Miami, FL.
Causes and Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are common. They can be caused by repetitive movements, especially overhead, that create wear and tear on the tendons over time. This is common in certain occupations and with athletes that perform over-the-head arm movements, such as throwing, weightlifting, racket sports and gymnastics. Rotator cuff tendons can be torn in a sudden injury, especially when they are already weakened from constant use. Other rotator cuff injuries occur over time with wear and tear.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury or tear include:
- Pain in the shoulder, especially toward the front
- Weakness in the arm
- Difficulty raising the arm above the shoulder level
- Pain in shoulder that disturbs sleep
- Crackling sound or sensation when moving the shoulder
- Stiffness in the shoulder joint
Rotator cuff tears can have similar symptoms to many other shoulder injuries and conditions. It is important to have an accurate diagnosis performed to determine the type of shoulder issue you have when experiencing pain or weakness.
Relief for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Many rotator cuff injuries can be resolved with non-surgical treatments. Rest, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy are usually recommended before surgery, unless there is a severe or complete tear of one of the tendons. If conservative treatments are not effective, surgery can be performed to repair damaged tendons and other issues within the shoulder joint causing pain and weakness.
At Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center, we have shoulder specialists that can provide treatment for rotator cuff tears and injuries. If surgery is required, we perform cutting-edge procedures using minimally invasive methods to repair the rotator cuff with a quicker recovery for our patients. Contact our clinic in Miami, FL, if you have a suspected rotator cuff tear or injury to schedule an appointment.
