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Torn rotator cuff???
I fell a few days ago (down three concrete steps bouncing off a concrete wall with my right shoulder). I have a sprained ankle and knee. My shoulder seems to have taken the worst of it though. I have an MRI scheduled, however I'm hurting and impatient :-(... I am not able to move my arm forward at all, I can move it slightly to the side and can also move it slightly to the back, although anything I do with it causes quite a bit of pain. My shoulder doesn't look deformed at all. Does anything besides a torn rotator cuff fit these symptoms? What are the treatments and recovery for this? Anyone who has been through this I'd appreciate some insight! I will post when I get the MRI results back.
Thank you!
Thank you!
I wanted to post an update on my torn rotator cuff... I went for a 2nd opinion a week after the first. I was still not able to raise my arm at all, either forward or to the side. I had the arthroscopic surgery just under 3 weeks ago. The tear was full thickness and was at the bone. An anchor had to be inserted to tie the tendon back to the bone. I was in an immobilizer for 2 weeks and will be in a sling for another 4 weeks. I start physical therapy next week with passive motion only. I was told to be very careful to not try to raise my arm at all yet and to not pick up anything until scar tissue has a chance to grow over the sutures to help hold them in place. From what I understand the fun is only beginning on my recovery. Who would have thought a simple fall could end up causing so much damage.
Thanks for your input!
Thanks for your input!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello!
We appreciate your response to our answer.
The supraspinatus helps in the raising of the arm and keeping it in position and that is what you are explaining that you are having a problem.
We advise to go conservative and keep surgery as the last option.
Take care!
We appreciate your response to our answer.
The supraspinatus helps in the raising of the arm and keeping it in position and that is what you are explaining that you are having a problem.
We advise to go conservative and keep surgery as the last option.
Take care!
I appreciate your time and answer. I thought I would update everyone (in case someone else is going through something similar and this helps...).
Both tears are in the supraspinatus tendon. One is a full thickness tear, the other is a bursal surface partial thickness tear... Although this is only 'medical jargon' to me what I know is it still hurts as it did when it happened. I guess the location is what is causing my main problem which is I cannot raise my arm forward or keep it up if lifted by someone else. The Dr. that I saw yesterday said it will heal somewhat on it's own, however that I would only be able to get it to about 80% use again. He recommends arthroscopic surgery to repair the tears. Since 80% isn't acceptable for a best usage I will opt for the surgery and will have it done in a few weeks.
If anyone has anything to add I would like to hear it!
Thanks,
Both tears are in the supraspinatus tendon. One is a full thickness tear, the other is a bursal surface partial thickness tear... Although this is only 'medical jargon' to me what I know is it still hurts as it did when it happened. I guess the location is what is causing my main problem which is I cannot raise my arm forward or keep it up if lifted by someone else. The Dr. that I saw yesterday said it will heal somewhat on it's own, however that I would only be able to get it to about 80% use again. He recommends arthroscopic surgery to repair the tears. Since 80% isn't acceptable for a best usage I will opt for the surgery and will have it done in a few weeks.
If anyone has anything to add I would like to hear it!
Thanks,
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello!
The rotator cuff consists of 4 tendons Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and subscapularis. You might have tears in two of these tendons.
Tendon/Muscle injuries, always try conservative initially. R.I.C.E. is recommended by physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and chiropractors.
1) Rest means ceasing movement of the affected area.
2) Icing uses ice to reduce inflammation.
3) Compression limits the swelling.
4) Elevation involves placing the area higher to reduce inflammation and swelling.
For full thickness rotator cuff tears, conservative care like R I C E are usually enough. However, many patients still suffer disability and pain despite non-surgical therapies. For massive tears of the rotator cuff, surgery has shown results; discuss all options with your Orthopedician.
Take care!
The rotator cuff consists of 4 tendons Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and subscapularis. You might have tears in two of these tendons.
Tendon/Muscle injuries, always try conservative initially. R.I.C.E. is recommended by physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and chiropractors.
1) Rest means ceasing movement of the affected area.
2) Icing uses ice to reduce inflammation.
3) Compression limits the swelling.
4) Elevation involves placing the area higher to reduce inflammation and swelling.
For full thickness rotator cuff tears, conservative care like R I C E are usually enough. However, many patients still suffer disability and pain despite non-surgical therapies. For massive tears of the rotator cuff, surgery has shown results; discuss all options with your Orthopedician.
Take care!
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