Ask The Doctor: Dr. Gerald J. Ortiz

Q: What should I expect when my Doctor tells me I have a torn rotator cuff?

A: When the rotator cuff tears away from the bone it can’t heal itself, and most patients experience pain and weakness with use of the shoulder. An MRI scan is typically necessary to diagnose a rotator cuff tear. The shape and size of the tear, how long the tear has resisted healing, and the symptoms and age of the patient will most times determine whether a tear needs to
be fixed.

Some tears are not fixable and treatment may include physical therapy, home exercises and injections of steroid to manage the pain. The majority of tears that are repairable can be fixed using minimally invasive techniques using a fiberoptic scope and suture anchors. Suture anchors are placed into the bone to tie the tendon back to where it belongs. Sometimes a larger open incision will be required for more complex tears.

The recovery time for rotator cuff surgery is typically at least 3 months and will involve use of a sling, home exercises, and formal physical therapy. Maximum improvement can sometimes take up to a year. The most common risks of surgery are stiffness and re-tear, which is why following your doctor’s and therapist’s instructions are critical to success.

Nobody wants to have surgery if they can avoid it, but symptoms should not be ignored. The longer a tear is present the harder it is to fix, and sometimes patients will end up requiring much bigger surgery to solve the problem, including a shoulder replacement.

To learn more about Mohawk Valley Orthopedic Associates, a service of Fulton Montgomery Medical P.C., click here.