Shoulder Arthroscopy: When Non-Surgical Treatments Fail

A rotator cuff tear occurs in the muscles and tendons that support the shoulder joint. A healthy shoulder joint should be able to rotate freely and without pain. A partial tear involves frayed or damaged muscle in the area. Complete tears rip entirely through the tendon. Severe rotator cuff injuries that don’t heal with conventional treatment methods can heal with surgery.

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Is the tear minor or severe?

Rotator cuff damage isn’t always easily noticeable. Patients may have trouble raising an arm while reaching high up or feel pain when pressure is applied to the shoulder. Weakness in the shoulder, as well as clicking or popping noises, can also signal a cuff tear. No matter what the severity, a prompt visit to the doctor can determine the proper course of treatment.

Non-surgical treatments for rotator cuffs

Surgery isn’t always the best option for rotator cuff tears. Early intervention can prevent a rotator cuff tear from getting any worse. Delaying treatment could cause the torn tendon to pull back toward the opposite end. Early treatment of fresh injuries has the highest success rates. Resting and keeping the shoulder stable with a sling can allow the underlying structures to heal. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage swelling and pain. Physical therapy can help patients improve strength and flexibility through low-impact exercises and stretches. For severe pain, corticosteroid injections can reduce swelling and discomfort.

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

While most patients who experience rotator cuff pain can improve the tear with non-surgical interventions, for severe rotator cuffs, a doctor may recommend shoulder arthroscopy. This type of surgery uses a small camera to assess and repair the internal damage. An arthroscope is inserted through tiny cuts in the skin.

When is shoulder arthroscopy recommended?

When non-surgical treatment is not sufficient, a doctor may recommend shoulder arthroscopy. Shoulder surgery can relieve many problems related to rotator cuff tendons, cartilage, labrum, and the surrounding soft tissue. Surgeons can fix frequent shoulder dislocation, inflamed tissue, loose cartilage, or ligament damage.

How successful is the surgery?

Patients worried about the risks of rotator cuff surgery should rest easy. Arthroscopic techniques offer comparable success rates to open surgery methods. In fact, shoulder arthroscopy has about a 93% success rate. As always, adherence to post-operative rehabilitation, including physical therapy, is crucial to a healthier shoulder. For more information about shoulder arthroscopy, speak with an orthopedic specialist.

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“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

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