Rotator Cuff Repair Surgeon in Erie, PA
Rotator cuff tears are commonly caused by acute injuries or degenerative changes that occur slowly with age or overuse. Dr. German provides diagnosis and individualized nonoperative and operative treatments for the shoulder including rotator cuff repair in Erie, PA.
Dr. German also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery.
Contact Dr. German’s office for an appointment today!
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 or through a small incision 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 Surgery 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 or previous activities
Preparing for the Surgery
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 Dr. German 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.
Surgical Procedure
The surgery is performed under general or regional anesthesia and involves the following steps:
- One or more incisions are made at the skin near the shoulder joint.
- The rotator cuff tear is visualized using an arthroscope or through a small incision
- Damaged or frayed portions of the tendon are trimmed.
- The damaged ends of the tendon are sewn together.
- Suture anchors are used to reattach a completely torn tendon to the bone.
- The incision is closed and covered with a bandage.
Post-Operative Care
Prescription pain medicines or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to manage pain. Your shoulder will be placed in a sling 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 3-6 months.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are associated risks and complications may occur. Those related to rotator cuff repair may include:
- Anaesthetic complications
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Stiffness
- Tendon re-tear
If you would like additional information on the treatment of shoulder conditions or to learn more about rotator cuff repair, please contact Dr. German, serving the communities of Erie, PA.
Other Shoulder Procedures
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Fracture Care
- Bicep Tendon Rupture at Shoulder
- Triceps Repair
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement
- Shoulder Resurfacing
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction
- Subacromial Decompression
- ORIF of the Clavicle Fractures
- Intraarticular Shoulder Injection
