When Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Recommended?
When Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Recommended?
If rotator cuff surgery has been recommended as an option for a torn rotator cuff it is often secondary to:
- Your pain did not improve with nonsurgical methods
- Continued pain is the main indication for surgery
- If you are very active and use your arms for overhead work or sports and the tear size is significant
Other signs that surgery may be a good option for you include:
- Your symptoms have lasted 6 to 12 months
- You have a large tear (more than 3 cm) and the quality of the surrounding tendon tissue is good
- You have significant weakness and loss of function in your shoulder
- Your tear was caused by a recent, acute injury
Author
Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA
Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.
