Can Rotator Cuff Repairs Be Outpatient Procedures?
Rotator cuff injuries are quite common and usually involve torn muscles, ligaments or tendons in the shoulder. Typical signs that a person has suffered damage are when simple tasks such as raising, lifting or stretching the shoulders and arms hurt. When the injury isn’t severe, at-home treatments like icing the shoulder or resting and avoiding excessive use are enough to correct the problem. When the damage is more extensive, in-office treatments or even surgery might be recommended. These options are offered on an outpatient basis, allowing people to get back to regular life faster.
Types of rotator cuff injuries
Rotator cuff injuries can happen to any individual regardless of activity level. The injury is most commonly associated with athletes because repetitive motions increase the risk of damage. Even for less active people, poor posture or even working in physically demanding jobs can also lead to rotator cuff damage. In mild cases, reducing activity and at-home care are enough. However, if shoulder impingement occurs, the damage is usually more extensive. This diagnosis is a specific type of rotator cuff injury from overuse. In particular, tendonitis develops, causing the tendons to become inflamed and swollen. The tissue may rub directly on the top of the shoulder, causing intense pain and reduced mobility.
Proven noninvasive treatments
Before recommending surgery, an orthopedist or sports medicine specialist might recommend other noninvasive solutions. If typical at-home methods like hot and cold therapy, rest, or over-the-counter (OTC) medications aren’t working, a few in-office alternatives might be offered. Physical therapy can actually be incredibly effective at helping to strengthen the rotator cuff to improve joint motion. For nonresponsive pain, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to control inflammation and ideally reduce discomfort in the shoulder.
When surgery is best
Sometimes, an injury doesn’t respond to other treatment methods, leading a surgeon to suggest surgery. Shoulder impingement is a common reason for undergoing arthroscopic surgery to correct tendon damage. Also known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS), these operations are usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing people to go home the same day. Arthroscopic surgery offers faster healing time and less scarring since a surgeon uses small surgical tools and a camera to complete the repairs. For shoulder impingement, bone spurs might be shaved down if discovered, and inflamed parts of the tendon may be removed.
Faster recovery times
MIS arthroscopy offers much faster recovery timelines compared to traditional open surgeries. People need to remember that individual recovery times can vary based on the amount of damage that was present, a patient’s health and if recovery guidelines are closely followed. However, on average most people fully heal 2-4 months after surgery. To avoid complications, recovering individuals are urged to follow the surgical aftercare instructions and to participate in physical therapy.
Back in full swing
Shoulder injuries can sideline people regardless of whether an individual is an athlete or less active. Beyond the limited mobility and pain caused, is the lower quality of life. If a shoulder injury isn’t healing with at-home or simple in-office care, consider speaking with an orthopedist to see if MIS impingement surgery might be the right option.
