Rotator Cuff Repair

A rotator cuff injury is a common cause of pain and disability in the U.S. with roughly two million people visiting their doctor each year due to a rotator cuff problem. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons to form a cuff over the shoulder joint. These four muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and the teres minor. These four muscles originate from the scapula or shoulder blade and keep your arm in your shoulder socket. The rotator cuff provides you with the ability to rotate your arm, lift your arm, and shoulder joint stability. The most common of the four to experience an injury is the supraspinatus tendon however multiple rotator cuff tendons may be injured or degenerate. A rotator cuff tendon tear is classified as partial or full thickness. The good news is roughly 80% of rotator cuff tears can be treated non surgically to achieve pain relief and improved function.


Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear:

• Pain on the top of the shoulder and arm
• Limited range of motion
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Pain that is triggered by raising or lowering your arm
• Shoulder pain that interupts sleeping
• A clicking sound when you raise your arm or move in certain positions
• Pain when reaching behind your back

Dr. Buch may Recommend Surgical Treatment if:

• Your pain does not improve with conservative treatment modalities
• You are very active and utilize your arms for overhead work such as painting, carpentry, or baseball
• You have significant weakness and loss of function
• You have a significant size tear
• Your symptoms have lasted more then 6 months
• Your tear was the result of a recent injury or trauma  

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