Benefits of Rotator Cuff Surgery in Decatur

Everyday people rely on their ability to raise their arms above their heads or rotate their arms in order to reach something or complete some other type of activity. The shoulder joint is largely responsible for your ability to do these actions. However, when an injury occurs to a specific part of the shoulder, known as the rotator cuff, it can have serious negative effects on your everyday life.
At Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists, our highly skilled and trained group of surgeons is here to examine your shoulder and to determine if the rotator cuff injury you suffered may need to have surgery in order to repair it and get you back to your normal life. We are dedicated to patient satisfaction, and our surgeons will do everything possible to ensure a great outcome.
What Is the Rotator Cuff?A rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder joint that allows you to raise and rotate (hence the name). Additionally, the rotator cuff will enable you to keep your shoulder joint in place and avoid the serious pain associated with a dislocation.
If the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched by the bones around them or the tendons suffer a tear, this can severely affect your ability to do everyday activities, lift items above your head, or play sports. Essentially, a rotator cuff tear results in the tendons detaching themselves from the humerus head (upper arm bone).
Rotator cuff tears, especially a full-thickness tear and other rotator cuff injuries, can be very serious and may need the surgical expertise of an experienced orthopedic surgeon to help with rotator cuff repair and healing.
Signs of a Rotator Cuff TearRotator cuff tears can be partially damaged in the tendon but not completely severed from the bone or full-thickness/complete. A complete tear is when the tendon is totally severed from the bone and creates a hole in the tendon.
The most common way that people may suffer a rotator cuff tear is by falling on your arm. Additionally, age brings with it wear and tear on various parts of the body, including the rotator cuff tendon. Over time, constant use of the rotator cuff tendons may lead to an injury and the need for rotator cuff surgery.
Here are some common signs that you may have suffered torn rotator cuff muscles:

• Shoulder pain when lifting or lowering your arm or making certain movements
  
• Weakness when lifting or rotating the affected arm
  
• Pain during the night or when at rest
  
• The crackling sensation if the arm is moved in certain ways
  

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially after having suffered a fall on your shoulder or arm, contact a skilled orthopedic surgeon at Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists to schedule an appointment.
Am I a Candidate for Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?It may be difficult to discern if your rotator cuff injuries have gotten to the point where you need surgery. Rotator cuff repair can be done without the use of surgery if it is a partial tear. Given enough time, the tendons will heal, and you can work to restore function and strength to your shoulder through physical therapy. However, some shoulder pain and torn tendon situations will not heal by themselves, and surgery to repair the rotator cuff may be needed.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for rotator cuff tendon repair surgery:

• No improvement 6-12 months after the shoulder injury
  
• Loss of strength in the shoulder
  
• Pain when moving the shoulder
  
• Shoulder weakness
  
• The tear is more than 3cm
  
• Limited to no range of motion
  

At Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists, we are here to evaluate your situation and determine if you are a good candidate for surgery or if physical therapy may be an option for you.
Benefits of Rotator Cuff Surgery in Decatur GAWhen non-surgical treatment options such as physical therapy, rest, immobilization, and pain management techniques have not provided you with the full relief in your shoulder muscle from a rotator cuff tear, surgery may be the only option remaining. Though there may be postoperative pain, a stiff shoulder, and the need for rehabilitation to regain your full strength in the affected shoulder and arm bone, the benefits of surgery are clear.
Patients who undergo one of the several types of rotator cuff surgery are able to restore shoulder strength and mobility, get an increased range of motion, and reduce their pain to little or none. With surgery, you can expect pain relief, and the shoulder will regain its abilities prior to the injury.
There are two primary types of rotator cuff surgery: arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and open tendon repair. With arthroscopic repair, the surgeon will use a camera (arthroscope) and thin tools inside your shoulder muscle to examine the damage and do the repairs. Open tendon surgery involves a much larger surgical incision so that the surgeon can see and access the tendon in order to determine the extent of repair or even joint replacement that may be needed.
Risks Associated With Surgery for Rotator Cuff TearsAs with any surgery, there are certain risks involved that your orthopedic surgeon at Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists will inform you of before the procedure. Some of the risks associated with rotator tendon surgery include:

• Infection
  
• Permanent stiffness
  
• Anesthesia complications
  
• Lengthy recovery time
  
• Nerve injury
  
• Deltoid muscle detachment
  
• Higher chance for tendon re-tear
  
• Blood clots
  

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you as well as the best ways to prevent them, manage your pain post-op with a physical therapist, and work to get your shoulder back to full strength through a strengthening exercise program.
Contact Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists for Your Rotator Cuff InjuryIf you have suffered an injury to your rotator cuff and believe that you may be in need of surgery to repair the damage, contact Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists in Decatur. We are here to ensure that you are able to get back to full strength. Our team understands how painful a rotator cuff injury can be, and we will work tirelessly to help you recover, so you no longer feel pain and get back to your normal life.

Contact Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists today to schedule an appointment!