Shoulder injuries are all too common, especially in athletes, and can significantly impact shoulder function. A rotator cuff tear is one of the most common shoulder injuries in which a set of small muscles that come together as a tendon to form a covering around the humerus head and allow the upper arm to rotate are torn.
Rotator cuff tears can be debilitating. Fortunately, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has revolutionized the treatment of rotator cuff tears and has been shown to be successful in restoring shoulder function.
Let’s talk about the procedure of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the overall effectiveness of the procedure, and where you can go for shoulder arthroscopy in Carmel, IN.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: What It Is Like?
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involves using an arthroscope – a small narrow tube with a tiny camera – to navigate the site of the tendon tear.
This minimally invasive surgical repair of the torn rotator cuff involves reattaching the torn tendon to the head of the humerus or upper arm bone with absorbable sutures.
For the procedure, your orthopedic doctor will position you to adjust the arthroscopy and have a clear view of the inside of your shoulder. Once you are positioned, your surgeon will place your forearm in a holding device to ensure your arm stays still during the procedure.
During the procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will make a keyhole incision over your shoulder and insert the arthroscope. Your surgeon may also inject fluid into the shoulder to inflate the joint for a clear view of the inside of the joint.
The arthroscope will produce a clear view of the inside of the joint, allowing the surgeon to identify the torn tendon. Once the tendon tear is clearly identified, your surgeon will make another small incision. The specialized instruments will be sent through this new incision for tasks like shaving, cutting, grasping, suture passing, and knot tying. If needed, your orthopedic surgeon may also send special devices to anchor the suture into the bone.
After reattaching the torn tendon, your orthopedic surgeon will close the incision with stitches or small Band-Aids and cover them with a large bandage.
Effectiveness of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair to Restore Shoulder Function
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery effectively restores shoulder function and motion.
A recent study has reported that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair effectively improves shoulder function in overhead athletes(football players, volleyball players, basketball players, etc.). The study says that within 6.4 months after the surgery, 75.4% of overhead athletes could return to sports, while a total of 62.5% could return to their sports at the pre-injury level.
It’s pertinent to mention here that the complete recovery timeline and time to return to daily activities and sports can be different for everyone and highly depends on the size and location of the tear, overall health, and rehabilitation plan.
Rotator Repair in Carmel, IN
Are you having shoulder pain that is interfering with your routine activities or sports?Visit us at Total Shoulder, where our shoulder surgeon Dr. Stephen Jacobsen and his team are exclusively focused on providing you with the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries and conditions, from simple to complex. Whether you need conservative treatments like medications and physical therapy or surgical treatment, we provide it all.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (317) 705-4392 or fill in our online appointment request form.
