Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator Cuff Repair in Colorado Springs, CO
If you have a painful rotator cuff tear that affects your strength, mobility, or ability to perform everyday activities, John C. Redfern, M.D. provides orthopaedic and sports medicine care for patients in Colorado Springs, CO. Rotator cuff injuries can develop from repetitive overhead activities, sports, age-related tendon changes, or an acute injury. When shoulder pain and weakness persist despite conservative treatment, rotator cuff repair may be considered.
Dr. Redfern specializes in shoulder and knee conditions, arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine, and trauma and fracture care. Depending on the location and severity of the tear, treatment may include nonsurgical care or arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to restore the tendon’s attachment and improve shoulder function.
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, weakness, limited range of motion, or difficulty participating in sports and other activities, an orthopaedic evaluation can help determine whether a rotator cuff tear is contributing to your symptoms. Patients seeking rotator cuff repair in Colorado Springs can receive individualized evaluation and treatment based on the type and severity of their shoulder injury.
What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles in the shoulder joint including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles originate in the scapula and attach to the head of the humerus through tendons. The rotator cuff forms a sleeve around the humeral head and glenoid cavity, providing stability to the shoulder joint while enabling a wide range of movements.
Injury to the rotator cuff may occur due to pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula). It may occur due to repeated use of the arm for overhead activities or while playing sports. A forceful injury such as trauma can cause one or more of these tendons to tear, a condition called rotator cuff tear.
What is Rotator Cuff Repair?
Rotator cuff repair is a surgery to repair an injured or torn rotator cuff. It is usually performed arthroscopically on an outpatient basis. An arthroscope, a small, fiber-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a large monitor, allowing your doctor to look for any damage, assess the type of injury and repair it. Large rotator cuff tears may require open surgery.
When is Rotator Cuff Repair Necessary?
Your doctor may suggest surgery to treat rotator cuff tears if you:
- do not respond to non-surgical treatment options
- have severe shoulder pain and experience loss of strength
- you want to return to sports soon
What Does Preparation for Rotator Cuff Repair Involve?
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and take your medical history. Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI or CT-scan may be ordered. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you are taking prior to the procedure and if you are allergic to any medicines or anesthesia. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
What is the Procedure for Rotator Cuff Repair?
The procedure is performed under general or regional and involves the following steps:
- One or more incisions are made at the skin near the shoulder joint.
- An arthroscope is inserted through the incision.
- Miniature surgical instruments are inserted to remove the damaged part of the tendon and injured surrounding tissue.
- The damaged ends of the tendon are sewn together. Care is taken to prevent damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels.
- A suture anchor may be used to reattach a completely torn tendon to the bone.
- The incision is closed and covered with a bandage.
What Does Postoperative Care for Rotator Cuff Repair Involve?
Prescription pain medicines or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to manage pain. Your shoulder will be placed in a brace or cast and you will be encouraged to keep weight off. You will be allowed to perform specific physical therapy exercises as you heal. You may return to normal activities after 6 months.
What are the Risks and Complications of Rotator Cuff Repair?
As with any surgery, there are associated risks and complications may occur. Those related to rotator cuff repair may include:
- Anesthetic complications
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Stiffness
- Tendon re-tear
Why Choose John C. Redfern, M.D. for Rotator Cuff Repair in Colorado Springs?
Choosing an experienced orthopaedic surgeon is an important part of managing a rotator cuff tear. John C. Redfern, M.D. provides orthopaedic and sports medicine care in Colorado Springs, CO, with a focus that includes shoulder and knee conditions and arthroscopic surgery.
When evaluating a rotator cuff injury, Dr. Redfern can assess your symptoms, medical history, physical examination findings, and appropriate imaging to determine the extent of the injury and discuss treatment options. Depending on your condition, treatment may involve nonsurgical approaches or surgical repair.
His background in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery can be particularly relevant for active patients whose shoulder injury affects work, recreation, exercise, or athletic participation. The goal of treatment is to address the underlying shoulder problem while helping patients work toward improved pain, strength, mobility, and function.
If you have ongoing shoulder pain or weakness after an injury or repetitive overhead activity, schedule an orthopaedic evaluation in Colorado Springs to discuss whether rotator cuff repair or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
Rotator Cuff Repair FAQs
Schedule a Rotator Cuff Evaluation in Colorado Springs
Persistent shoulder pain and weakness can interfere with work, exercise, sports, and everyday activities. John C. Redfern, M.D. provides orthopaedic and sports medicine care for patients in Colorado Springs, Colorado, including evaluation and treatment of shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff injuries.
If you have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear or are experiencing ongoing shoulder symptoms, contact the practice to schedule an evaluation. Dr. Redfern can assess your condition and discuss whether conservative treatment, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, or another treatment option may be appropriate for your shoulder.
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