Our Summary

This study examines the healing process of a common shoulder surgery and how it affects patients’ experiences and outcomes. Researchers studied 48 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, a surgical procedure to fix a torn shoulder tendon. After an average of 11.4 months post-surgery, they used a type of imaging called magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) to get detailed pictures of the repair site.

They found that while many patients showed structural abnormalities in the repaired tendon on the MRA, these changes didn’t necessarily affect how well the patient felt they were healing or their satisfaction with the surgery. In fact, seven patients had significant partial-thickness tears in the tendon, but this didn’t seem to negatively affect their outcomes or satisfaction.

However, for a small group of patients (6 out of 48), there were more serious issues like full-thickness tears or a complete failure in continuity (the tendon not being fully connected). These patients had significantly lower scores on a measure of shoulder health and function. The researchers suggested that doctors might want to consider additional imaging for patients who are still having significant pain more than six months after surgery, especially if their shoulder health score is less than 80.

FAQs

  1. What does the study say about the healing process after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair?
  2. What abnormalities were found in the repaired tendons of the patients?
  3. What additional steps might doctors consider for patients who are still experiencing significant pain more than six months after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rotator cuff repair is to follow a structured rehabilitation program after surgery. This typically includes physical therapy exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and prevent stiffness. It is important to follow the guidance of a physical therapist and gradually progress through the exercises to ensure proper healing and recovery. Consistent and dedicated adherence to the rehabilitation program can greatly improve outcomes and help patients regain full function of their shoulder.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for rotator cuff repair are those with a torn shoulder tendon that is causing significant pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication without success. Additionally, patients who have a high level of physical activity or whose occupation requires heavy use of the shoulder may also be recommended for rotator cuff repair to help restore function and prevent further damage.

Timeline

  • Before rotator cuff repair surgery:
  1. Patient experiences shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient may undergo physical therapy, cortisone injections, or other non-surgical treatments to manage symptoms.
  3. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose the extent of the rotator cuff tear.
  4. Patient and surgeon discuss treatment options, including the possibility of surgery.
  • After rotator cuff repair surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery to fix the torn tendon.
  2. Patient may experience post-operative pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder.
  4. Patient follows a recovery timeline outlined by their surgeon, which may include restrictions on certain activities and gradual return to normal activities.
  5. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing and progress.
  6. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRA to assess the structural integrity of the repaired tendon.
  7. Patient experiences improvements in shoulder function and pain relief over time, with some patients experiencing better outcomes than others depending on the success of the surgery and healing process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of 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 mobility during that time?
  4. Will physical therapy be necessary after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. Are there any specific activities or movements I should avoid during the recovery period?
  6. How soon can I expect to return to normal activities, such as work or sports?
  7. What are the chances of the tendon re-tearing after surgery, and how can I prevent this from happening?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or exercises I should incorporate to improve the long-term success of the surgery?
  9. What are the signs and symptoms of complications that I should watch out for after the surgery?
  10. What follow-up appointments or tests will be necessary to monitor the healing process and overall success of the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ball CM. Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019 Nov;28(11):2161-2170. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.02.024. Epub 2019 May 8. PMID: 31078406