4 Telltale Signs of a Meniscus Injury
Did you injure your meniscus in your knee? Here are some warning signs and symptoms. Keep reading to learn if you need treatment.
5 Signs Your Rotator Cuff Injury Requires Surgery
The rotator cuff in your shoulder connects your upper arm bone to your shoulder blade. Your rotator cuff involves a bundle of tendons, all of which need to be healthy for your shoulder joint to function correctly.
Under strain, especially after repetitive stress, your rotator cuff can tear, leading to shoulder instability and dysfunction. Rotator cuff tears need expert evaluation and treatment.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Derek Farr and Dr. Nirav Gupta treat rotator cuff injuries at Twin Palm Orthopedics in Ocala, Florida. In some cases, your torn rotator cuff can be treated non-surgically. Other people will need surgery.
How can you know if your rotator cuff injury calls for surgical treatment? Here are five key signs.
1. Conservative treatment approaches don’t resolve your symptoms
Our team at Twin Palm Orthopedics typically starts your treatment for a rotator cuff injury with conservative treatment approaches like rest, an immobilization sling, or physical therapy.
But, if these types of treatment don’t address your pain or shoulder joint dysfunction, it can be a sign that surgery is needed.
2. Your work requires overhead arm movements
If your rotator cuff injury was related to overhead arm movements common in your workplace, and you want to return to that job after recovering from your injury, you’ll need the shoulder strength and stability that surgical rotator cuff repair provides.
3. You want to return to your sport
Rotator cuff tears are common sports injuries, especially in tennis and baseball that involve plenty of high-intensity shoulder use. If you’re ready to retire after your injury, conservative approaches may work for you. But, if you want to keep your shoulder and arm in competitive condition, plan on rotator cuff surgery after a tear.
4. Your rotator cuff injury was recent and acute
If your rotator cuff injury occurred due to an accident or trauma that resulted in an acute tear, surgical intervention can stabilize your condition quicker than conservative treatment protocols.
Surgery is a good option for a rotator cuff tear longer than three centimeters, especially if your surrounding tendon tissue is healthy.
5. The problem has continued for six months to a year
If your symptoms continue to pose a problem for six months to a year, our team at Twin Palm Orthopedics may suggest surgery.
To learn more about rotator cuff injuries and get an injury evaluated for surgical treatment, contact our team at Twin Palm Orthopedics today. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone now.
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