Rotator Cuff Repair

Pain and weakness in your shoulder or when lifting your arm are signs of an injury that could need rotator cuff repair. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Richard Buch, MD, and the experienced team at The Dallas Limb Restoration Center in Carrollton, Texas, specialize in minimally invasive surgeries to repair a torn rotator cuff, restore the shoulder’s strength, and help you return to enjoying your favorite activities. Schedule a shoulder evaluation by phone or request an evaluation online today.

What problems may lead to a rotator cuff repair?

The rotator cuff isn’t one structure; it’s a group of four muscles and their tendons. They stabilize the upper arm bone (humerus) in the shoulder joint and move your arm.

You could tear the rotator cuff during an accident, such as a fall. Age-related degeneration and arthritis also weaken the tissues, resulting in inflammation and tears.

However, most rotator cuff tears develop as you repeatedly make the same movements. These overuse injuries start small and, without treatment, gradually enlarge.

The cuff muscles are vulnerable to overuse due to the stress of daily arm movement. However, they're more likely to tear if you engage in activities requiring overhead movements, such as pitching, tennis, weightlifting, carpentry, and painting.

What symptoms indicate I could need rotator cuff repair?

An injured rotator cuff causes one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain on top of the shoulder and arm
• Shoulder and arm weakness
• Pain when raising and lowering your arm
• Difficulty using your arm (limited range of motion)
• Pain when reaching behind your back
• Clicking or popping when raising your arm

Many people have difficulty sleeping because of the pain.

Are there alternatives to rotator cuff repair surgery?

Yes. Most rotator cuff injuries heal with conservative treatments, such as:

• Activity modification and limited arm activity
• Complete rest and immobilization
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine (stem cell and platelet-rich plasma injections)

Your provider may recommend surgery to repair your shoulder if:

• You have a large tear
• You have a full-thickness tear (the tendon tears away from the bone)
• Your symptoms last more than six months
• Your pain doesn’t improve with conservative care
• You develop significant weakness or lose function
• You need maximum strength for overhead activities

You may also need surgery if a recent traumatic injury caused the tear.

What type of rotator cuff repair surgery might I need?

The skilled team at The Dallas Limb Restoration Center has extensive experience repairing rotator cuffs using minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy) and open surgery. They recommend the approach that meets your needs.

During repair surgery, they trim the damaged tissues to promote healing and re-attach the tendon to the bone if needed.

Schedule a rotator cuff assessment at The Dallas Limb Restoration Center if you have shoulder pain that doesn’t improve, worsens, or limits arm movement. Simply call the office or request an appointment online today.