ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR
The muscles and tendons that keep the ball of your upper-arm bone in your shoulder socket are part of the rotator cuff, which also helps you rotate and raise your arm.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
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Pain or stiffness when moving the shoulder, especially lifting your arm above your head
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Shoulder and arm pain
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Shoulder weakness and tenderness
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Hearing snapping or crackling sounds when moving the shoulder
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An inability to sleep on the shoulder because of pain and discomfort
Non-invasive options for a rotator cuff tear are injections, anti-inflammatories, ice compression wraps, and physical therapy. If rotator cuff surgery is needed, the surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics & Sports medicine will decide on one of the three types of surgery depending on the length of the tear:
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Arthroscopic Repair: One or more incisions of less than 1 cm.
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Open Repair Surgery: A 4-6 cm incision
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Mini-Open Repair: A combination of open and arthroscopic surgery with an incision of 1 to 5 cm
See Dr. Todd Atkinson as he explains rotator cuff surgery by clicking here:
THE ROTATOR CUFF
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The rotator cuff stabilizes your shoulder while you move your arm.
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Often, rotator cuff injuries happen over time, with aging and use.
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Shoulder injuries are highly treatable if addressed early.