Is Shoulder Pain Bumming You Out?
Shoulder pain is a common occurrence, but few people are aware of the importance of this joint until severe pain strikes. Lifting the arm overhead and performing daily activities become a challenge. Athletic performance is also impacted, with throwing motions limited due to pain. In most cases, an individual’s shoulder pain can be traced to a potentially damaged rotator cuff. The rotator cuff consists of 4 muscles and tendons that wrap around the joint. Without the rotator cuff, stability and range of motion (ROM) is limited. A rotator cuff injury is a common shoulder injury that may need surgery to bring long-term relief to shoulder pain.
Causes of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can arise from various issues related to the rotator cuff. For instance, tears of the tendon can occur, leading to pain and limited movement. Some tears are due to traumatic injuries or wear and tear, which is common in older adults who perform repetitive overhead movements. Athletes in golf, basketball, baseball, and tennis can suffer acute to degenerative injuries. Sometimes, the tear is caught within a space in the shoulder, leading to shoulder impingement. Severe tendinitis or inflammation of the tendons can lead to chronic pain. While bursitis, or inflammation of the bursa, can further complicate shoulder movement. The pain can be severe, leading to reduced function and athletic performance, poor work productivity, reduced sleep, and disruption to everyday activities.
When should you consider rotator cuff repair?
Chronic shoulder pain, especially when moving the arm or during sleep, should be assessed by an orthopedic specialist. If there is a rotator cuff injury, the doctor can provide the most appropriate plan. Most shoulder pain cases can benefit from non-surgical procedures such as a shoulder brace, pain medication, and physical therapy. However, there are cases where rotator cuff repair surgery is necessary. Persistent pain, despite physical therapy or medications, is usually a sign to attempt surgery. If the pain disrupts daily activities and sports, surgery can help. There is often a clear tear, degeneration, or impingement, as evidenced by imaging.
Breaking down the procedure
As the name implies, rotator cuff repair seeks to repair the damaged tendons, using different techniques depending on the severity of the tear confirmed by imaging tests. On the day of the surgery, the patient receives general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The doctor may perform minimally invasive surgery (MIS), which uses small incisions to complete the repair. Small incisions called portals are made on the shoulder. A scope is passed through an incision that projects the inner workings of the shoulder on an external monitor. The surgeon can then use the other incisions to insert surgical tools and repair the damage. This process can involve cleaning up damaged tissue, removing bone spurs, and repairing the torn tendon. Rotator cuff repair may require sutures, anchors, and screws to secure the tendon in the appropriate place.
What are the benefits?
Rotator cuff repair has the primary benefit of producing long-term relief in patients with chronic shoulder pain. For those with a sudden or acute tear, the procedure shortens the window for operating with a painful shoulder. This allows individuals like athletes to return to sport sooner. Opting for MIS has additional benefits. Patients should have smaller incisions meaning less scarring, inflammation, and postoperative pain. There is also a lower risk of complications and a shorter recovery time. Studies show that rotator cuff repair has an up to 94% success rate with an up to 73% success rate after 10 years.
A lifesaver with rotator cuff repair
Surgery is only the start. Long-term rehabilitation and range of motion exercises are required, often lasting several months. Once physiotherapy is completed, often lasting 3-6 months or more, the shoulder will resume function. Most people who perform desk work can resume activities in 1-2 weeks, with other strenuous activities allowed 3-4 months later. More severe tears may take longer to heal. Undoubtedly, rotator cuff repair can address months or even years of chronic shoulder pain, with advancements ongoing. This vital joint must get the appropriate care to resume optimal function and an improved quality of life.
