The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons to form a covering around the head of the upper arm bone. The rotator cuff attaches the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade and helps to lift and rotate your arm. When one or more of the rotator cuff tendons is torn, the tendon no longer fully attaches to the head of the upper arm bone. This can either be a partial or complete tear. Boulder, Colorado, orthopedic shoulder specialist, Dr. Austin Chen specializes in addressing rotator cuff tears.
What is a rotator cuff repair surgery?
In cases where non surgical treatment options fail to relieve pain, or when the tear is large enough or the patient is extremely active, Dr. Austin Chen may suggest a rotator cuff repair surgery. During an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, Dr. Chen inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your shoulder joint. He uses the camera to guide miniature surgical instruments into the damaged area. Depending on the case, a rotator cuff repair surgery mayinclude shaving off bone spurs that are pinching the shoulder, or repairing torn tendons or muscles in the shoulder.
What is the recovery from a rotator cuff repair surgery?
Following the surgery, the patient will be sent home with a sling to immobilize the shoulder. Recovery can take 4 to 6 months, depending on the size of the tear and other factors. Dr. Chen will prescribe a physical therapy regime to help restore strength and mobility. Physical therapy can be completed through the Boulder Centre for Orthopedics Physical Therapy Center, which offers all patients complete and seamless recovery care
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