Our Summary

This study aimed to compare the results of a particular shoulder surgery called arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, which is used to fix major tears in the rotator cuff, in patients who also had a procedure to relieve pressure on a nerve in the shoulder (the suprascapular nerve) versus those who did not. To do this, the researchers looked at two groups of patients who had the shoulder surgery: one group who also had the nerve procedure and one group who didn’t. They checked up on these patients two years after their surgeries.

To assess the results of the surgeries, the researchers looked at a few things. They used a scoring system developed by the University of California, Los Angeles to measure the patients’ shoulder function. They measured the patients’ range of motion and their pain levels. They also used MRI scans to check the health and integrity of the repaired rotator cuff.

The results showed that there wasn’t a significant difference between the two groups in terms of their shoulder function scores, range of motion, pain levels, or the health of the repaired rotator cuff. The rate of re-tearing in the rotator cuff was also similar in both groups.

In conclusion, whether patients had the nerve procedure or not didn’t seem to make a big difference to the outcomes of their rotator cuff surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery?
  2. How did the researchers measure the success of the surgeries?
  3. Did the additional nerve procedure show any significant impact on the outcomes of the rotator cuff surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. This may include physical therapy, exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, and avoiding activities that could put strain on the shoulder. Be sure to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for rotator cuff repair are those with major tears in the rotator cuff that are causing significant pain, limited range of motion, and functional impairment in the shoulder. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy and corticosteroid injections without success. Additionally, patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery and have realistic expectations of the outcomes of the procedure are good candidates for rotator cuff repair.

Timeline

Before the rotator cuff repair:

  1. Patient experiences shoulder pain and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI to determine the extent of the rotator cuff tear.
  3. Patient consults with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  4. Patient schedules surgery for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

After the rotator cuff repair:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to repair the torn rotator cuff.
  2. Patient may also undergo a procedure to relieve pressure on the suprascapular nerve, if deemed necessary.
  3. Patient goes through a period of post-operative rehabilitation, which includes physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder.
  4. Patient is monitored for improvements in shoulder function, range of motion, pain levels, and the health of the repaired rotator cuff.
  5. Two years post-surgery, the patient is assessed for overall outcomes of the surgery, including shoulder function scores and rate of re-tearing in the rotator cuff.
  6. Results show that the outcomes of the rotator cuff repair surgery are similar regardless of whether the patient also underwent the nerve procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and limitations during recovery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered before opting for surgery?
  5. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  6. How soon after the surgery can I expect to return to my normal activities and sports?
  7. What can I do to help prevent re-injury or re-tearing of the rotator cuff after surgery?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications I should make to support the healing process?
  10. What is the long-term prognosis for my shoulder function and overall health after rotator cuff repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yamakado K. Journal: Int Orthop. 2019 Oct;43(10):2367-2373. doi: 10.1007/s00264-019-04356-4. Epub 2019 Jun 26. PMID: 31243524