Shoulder pain can be dealt with only for so long. When even trying to reach the top shelf becomes painful, you might need an intervention. Today, shoulder pain stemming from rotator cuff tears can disappear with a minimally invasive technique called arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. If you live in or around the Bellaire area in Texas, Dr. Eric Berkman offers his expertise in this method to help you regain mobility and return to your daily activities pain-free.
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About Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff consists of a collection of tendons within the shoulder that provide stability and allow for extensive arm movement. When these tendons sustain significant damage, they can tear—a condition known as a rotator cuff tear. This issue ranks among the most frequent sources of shoulder discomfort in people who are middle-aged or older.
What Leads to Rotator Cuff Tears
These tears develop when the rotator cuff experiences pressure from a portion of the shoulder blade during arm elevation. This damage can happen through repetitive overhead arm movements, participation in athletic activities, or traumatic events like vehicle collisions.
Signs of a Rotator Cuff Tear
A torn rotator cuff produces intense pain, reduced arm strength, and a grinding or popping sensation when the shoulder moves in specific ways. Additional symptoms may include rigidity, inflammation, restricted range of motion, and sensitivity in the anterior shoulder region.
About the Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
The purpose of the arthroscopy is to reattach the injured tendon to the bone. It is performed by making a small incision and introducing an arthroscope inside the joint. An arthroscope is a small fiber-optic camera that displays the image of the joint on a screen to guide the doctor while he works on it with his tiny tools.
The Procedure
During the surgery, you will remain in a semi-seated position. Depending on the severity of the injury, you will receive anesthetics. After applying fluid to the area to improve the view, the doctor will create small incisions (or arthroscopic portals) around your shoulder to insert the arthroscope.
Once in, he will use tiny tools to reattach the tendon to the bone with stitches. When the procedure is complete, the portals are closed with sutures or sterile adhesive tape and skin glue.
Read more: Rotator Cuff Tear Doctor in Bellaire, Texas, Talks About When Surgery is Necessary
Recovery
A rotator cuff arthroscopy is an ambulatory procedure which usually takes around 1-2 hours. After that, you should expect to wait for a few more hours in another room and then you can go home. Wounds will heal after some days, but the joint itself will need approximately 6-12 weeks. You must listen carefully to your doctor’s instructions, as they will vary from person to person.
General guidelines include
- Rest.
- Pain medication.
- Immobilization.
- No driving for at least 4-6 weeks.
- Exercise or physical therapy once the wound is healed to regain strength and mobility.
Every body and recovery process is different. As a result, durations and instructions vary depending not only on the injury but also on your specific medical history, pre-existing conditions, regular activities, work load, and more.
Your Rotator Cuff Arthroscopy Surgeon in Bellaire, Texas
For those experiencing persistent shoulder discomfort caused by a rotator cuff tear, surgical repair can dramatically improve quality of life. If you’re exploring surgical options, book a detailed consultation with Dr. Eric Berkman, who focuses on orthopedic procedures involving the rotator cuff. With years of specialized experience in minimally invasive shoulder surgery, Dr. Berkman uses advanced arthroscopic techniques that result in smaller incisions, less scarring, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. His patient-centered approach ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your specific condition, whether you’re dealing with a partial tear or a complete rotator cuff rupture. Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life any longer.
If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with our arthroscopic rotator cuff repair expert, Dr. Eric Berkman, MD, through this link.
RECOVER YOUR MOBILITY