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Rotator Cuff Tear
Treatment Options
Non-surgical
Options
Surgical
Options
Prevention
Sports
medicine information on rotator cuff tears
Treatment
at UPMC
The treatment will depend on the extent of your injury, level of pain,
and amount of immobility. The first step is usually a non-surgical approach.
Non-surgical Options
- rest to help the shoulder heal
The doctor may recommend that you wear an arm sling to help rest the
shoulder area.
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to help control the pain
- corticosteroid injections to help reduce swelling and pain
- ice to help reduce swelling and pain
Apply ice to shoulder area for 15 minutes, three to four times a day.
- physical therapy to help decrease inflammation and restore strength
and motion to the shoulder area
Surgical Options
- arthroscopy
A small instrument is inserted into the shoulder and used to remove
bone spurs or degenerated portions of the rotator cuff tendons. Lesser
tears can be repaired during arthroscopy as well.
- mini-open repair with arthroscopy
This combines arthroscopy with an incision in the shoulder joint.
Through the incision, the doctor can suture larger tears in the tendons.
- open surgery
This is used to repair the injured tendon in more severe cases. A
tissue transfer or a tendon graft can be done during surgery if the
tear is too large to be closed together. In the most severe cases,
a joint replacement may be necessary.
Depending on the extent of your injury, full recovery can take
anywhere from 2-6 months, and sometimes longer.
Prevention
To reduce your chances of getting a rotator cuff injury:
- Avoid overhead repetitive motion.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder
joint.
Treatment at UPMC
This condition is typically treated by experts specializing in:
Call UPMC at 800-533-UPMC (8762) to find a doctor and schedule an appointment.
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