At Orthopedic Specialists, our orthopedic surgeons are experts in performing rotator cuff surgery. Orthopedic Specialists has been performing orthopedic surgery, such as rotator cuff repair, for over fifteen years. That means your surgery will be performed by a team whose experience is virtually unmatched in Fort Dodge, Iowa,
and throughout the Midwest. The combination of our expertise, experience, and advanced orthopedic techniques provides our patients with the best possible orthopedic care.
The shoulder is a “ball and socket” joint consisting of the upper arm bone (humerus) and a shallow indentation in the shoulder blade (scapula). It’s this shallowness that permits a great range of motion but also makes it easy to dislocate. The shoulder joint is surrounded by a “cuff” of muscles and tendons that stabilize it.
Occasionally, the tendons at the ends of the rotator cuff muscles can become torn due to trauma, such as dislocation, or the repetitive stress associated with many sports or other activities. A rotator cuff tear can lead to permanent damage if left untreated. A rotator cuff injury typically causes severe shoulder pain and a reduced range of motion. If nonsurgical treatments are ineffective, surgery may be required to repair the injured area. There are typically three options for surgical rotator cuff repair:
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Open Repair—in this procedure, an incision is made in the shoulder, through which the surgeon is able to view and repair the affected tendons.
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Arthroscopic Repair—an arthroscopy involves the insertion of a tiny camera (arthroscope) into the area to be repaired. The camera’s images are then used to allow the surgeon to guide miniature surgical instruments to make the repair. This has the advantage of requiring a series of small incisions rather than a large one. As a result, recovery time is faster and there can be less scarring.
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Mini-Open Repair—this procedure is a combination of the other two types of repairs. An arthroscope is used to assess the injury and a small incision made through which the surgeon repairs the tendons.
Rotator cuff repair is typically a minor surgical procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis. As with any surgical intervention, the patient typically has to undergo a recuperation process involving follow-up care and physical therapy, depending on the particular situation.
To learn more about what to expect when you undergo rotator cuff surgery, please visit our Surgery Preparation/Recovery page. To find expert, board-certified orthopedics near you, please visit our locations page.
