One of the more common rotator cuff problems is atear of the tendon of the rotator cuff.
Many people with a rotator cuff tear presume that surgery is an inevitable step in treatment.
Each of those muscles is attached to the bone through astructure called the tendon.
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When a rotator cuff tear occurs, the tendon has detached from the bone.
This can lead to pain, difficulty moving the shoulder, and weakness.
In many cases, rotator cuff repair is a reasonable treatment option.
Why No Repair?
In these situations, the tendon is often contracted and cannot be reattached in its normal position.
There is a condition called rotator cuff tear arthropathy.
In this situation not only is a rotator cuff tear present, but the shoulder joint has become arthritic.
Nonsurgical treatments include ice, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, activity modifications, and physical therapy.
The focus of any treatment should be on therapeutic activities to restore the normal mechanics of the shoulder joint.
There are surgical interventions that might be considered even in the setting of irreparable rotator cuff tears.
A shoulder debridement is typically performed asarthroscopic shoulder surgery.
During a surgery when debridement is performed, some portion of the rotator cuff may be repaired.
A Word From Verywell
Rotator cuff tears are incredibly common problems.
Especially as we age, rotator cuff tears eventually become an expected finding.
As people enter their 60s and 70s, rotator cuff tears become essentially a normal finding on an MRI.
Some people who have a rotator cuff tear will not be good candidates for surgical repair of this damage.
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