Easy lifehacks

Does a partial thickness rotator cuff tear require surgery?

Does a partial thickness rotator cuff tear require surgery?

Most partial thickness tears are a normal part of the aging process and do not need surgery. If more conservative treatments are not working to relieve your symptoms, then surgery may be appropriate. Deciding whether or not a repair is necessary is usually made at the time of surgery.

Do partial rotator cuff tears heal on their own?

Even though most tears cannot heal on their own, good function can often be achieved without surgery. If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because many tears will not heal without surgery.

How do you fix a partial rotator cuff tear?

Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). A partial tear, however, may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. A complete tear is repaired by stitching the tendon back to its original site on the humerus.

What does a partially torn rotator cuff feel like?

It’s common to feel locking, catching, and even popping sensations in your shoulder. Other frequently reported symptoms include shoulder stiffness, reduced range of motion, swelling, and tenderness. Rotator cuff tears can happen immediately after a traumatic event, like after a fall, and symptoms can be immediate.

How long does a partial rotator cuff tear take to heal?

In majority of the recovery can take 4 to 6 months or longer, depending on the size of the tear. Most activities can be resumed at 6 months, however the rotator cuff will heal for up to a year.

What happens if a torn rotator cuff is not repaired?

Without any treatment—either rest and rehabilitation or surgery—rotator cuff disorders may get worse. Over time, you may have more pain. You may lose range of motion and strength in your shoulder, making it harder to do your daily activities.

How bad is a partial tear on a rotator cuff?

A partial or complete rotator cuff tear makes it difficult to raise and move your arm. You may have shoulder pain and arm weakness. Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially as you get older. Rest, pain relievers and physical therapy can help.

Do rotator cuff tears get worse over time?

Rotator cuff tendon tears often cause pain at night. The pain may even wake you. During the day, the pain is more tolerable, and usually only hurts with certain movements, such as overhead or reaching toward the back. Over time, the symptoms become much worse, and are not relieved by medicines, rest, or exercise.

What can you do with a torn rotator cuff?

Common treatments for a torn rotator cuff include rest, joint immobilization, cold therapy, and physical therapy. In extreme cases, surgery may be recommended. Shoulder injuries such as a torn rotator cuff should be treated immediately to prevent further damage and start the healing process as soon as possible.

Does a rotator cuff tear always require surgery?

Surgery is a common treatment for a rotator cuff tear, but it is the rare exception that a rotator cuff tear requires surgery. The truth is, that the vast majority, more than 99%, of rotator cuff tears are never treated with surgery. In fact, most people who have a rotator cuff tear never have a problem with their shoulder.

How long does it take for a torn rotator cuff tear to heal?

On an average, with appropriate treatment for a torn rotator cuff, it may take around four to six months to heal. However, it depends on the severity of the injury, type of treatment and the rehabilitation.

What is the average settlement for a torn rotator cuff?

For a starting point, the settlement range for pain and suffering on a torn rotator cuff where surgery is performed is between $100,000 and $175,000. The low-end of the range is if you had little treatment, are left with limitations and disability after the surgery.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle