Rotator Cuff Tear

Woodlands Center For Special Surgery

Hand Surgeons & Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Specialists located in The Woodlands, TX & Willis, TX

Every year, around 2 million Americans seek treatment for rotator cuff injuries. At Woodlands Center for Special Surgery, Dr. Mark Ciaglia, DO, Dr. William J. Jordan, MD, Dr. Hemali Patel, DPM, and their team diagnose rotator cuff injuries and provide expert, personalized treatment to repair your shoulder and relieve your pain. Call the office in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas, or request a consultation online today.

What is a rotator cuff tear?

Your rotator cuff is the network of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder together, providing stability and the extensive range of motion of the joint.

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one of the tendons in your shoulder tears and separates from the top of your humerus (upper arm bone).

Rotator cuff tears are typically caused by either an acute traumatic injury or degeneration. Rotator cuff injuries are common in athletes who perform repetitive movements or from falling on an outstretched hand.

As you age, your connective tissue becomes dry and vulnerable to wear-and-tear injuries. Shoulder arthritis can contribute to bone spur development, which can increase your risk of rotator cuff tears.

What are the signs of a rotator cuff tear?

Rotator cuff tears hurt, especially when you perform certain movements, like lifting your arm above your head. The pain is persistent and might interrupt your sleep and make it uncomfortable to sleep on your side.

Other signs of a rotator cuff tear include:

Grating or cracking sounds when you move
Reduced ability to move your arm
Muscle weakness

If you have persistent shoulder pain or other signs of a rotator cuff tear, call Woodlands Center for Special Surgery to schedule an appointment.

How are rotator cuff tears diagnosed?

The orthopaedic surgeons provide thorough physical exams to evaluate your shoulder. They might have you move your arm or stretch so they can see how your pain interferes with your movement.

Woodlands Center for Special Surgery also offers in-office diagnostic tests, including open MRIs, X-rays, and arthroscopy. These tests allow them to see inside your shoulder and evaluate your injury in more detail.

How are rotator cuff tears treated?

Your provider creates a customized treatment plan to address your pain and repair your shoulder.

Mild tears might heal with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine, including cortisone injections. Your physician may also recommend physical therapy or ultrasound treatments to rehabilitate your shoulder.

In more severe cases, you might need surgery to repair the damage. The team tries conservative treatments before recommending surgery. Whenever possible, they use minimally invasive techniques to repair rotator cuff tears.

Call Woodlands Center for Special Surgery or request an appointment online today.