A few hours after the incident, I was able to seek some medical attention from our on board medic, who believed I had dislocated my shoulder, but was not overly concerned with my condition. Also, don't be afraid to ask doctors / surgeons lots of questions. Dr Mike, Please help me understand what options I might have or questions to ask the surgeon about my full thickness rotator cuff tear. Mike!! If tendon tears (including small tears) have not responded to conservative (non-surgical) treatments or recovered naturally after a few months, then surgery is often considered. ,Been dealing with shoulder pain for about nine months now and thought I'd share my experience with you and other readers. The tendons may tear from their attachment either after an injury such as a fall or from long-term wear and tear. Studies published from 2010 up to present will be included, as the review conducted by Downie, B. et al. Supraspinatus tendon tears require specific rehabilitation of the rotator cuff and muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade. Good luck with it and I hope you are feeling pain free sooner rather than later. Hi there. It might be best to get an opinion from your orthopedic specialist sooner rather than later (if possible)! The rotator cuff tendons cover the head of the humerus (upper arm bone), helping you to raise and rotate your arm. It has been helpful. Can you help me out at all? Old age is also a major factor in supraspinatus tears; in fact, over 50% of people over seventy years old have a supraspinatus tear when they pass. If you fall down on your outstretched arm or lift something too heavy with a jerking motion, you can tear your rotator cuff. Because of the return of the recent pain, a another MRI was ordered and the Radiologist wrote: "1. Here is some general information which I hope is useful for you: 1. There is fluid distending the long head of the biceps tendon sheath, representing tenosynovitis. i'm a long distance runner and in good fitness and the shoulder problem does not bother me during running. On the other hand, if your surgeon thought your tendon would be able to endure pregnancy and nursing your baby without the need for strong medications or the need for surgery, then this may influence your decision on timing for surgery etc. Sought 2 nd opinion 3weeks later due to the server pain. some loss of motion in your shoulder. I'm sorry I can't provide you with specific advice, rather I only provide some general information. I do not want a metal shoulder. Gloria Freeman from Alabama USA on January 21, 2013: Hi lot of good info and tips here. 21. I had surgery last Thursday for a complete tear of the supraspinatus tendon due to a car accident and was told the tendon was repaired with titanium staples.My concern is of the staples coming out ,I wear a sling whenever outside but have been taking it off when sleeping in my recliner which I've found the best since the accident.If I am just walking around the house I've let it hang down and do not feel pain at the shoulder so figure there is no risk of them pulling out by doing this,am I correct? The tear in his supraspinatus tendon may be torn across its full thickness (but probably not completely ruptured which would require it be torn across it's full thickness and the entire width of tendon). Mary Kay. As mentioned in the video, the aim of these resistance band exercises is not to increase your range of movement but to instead strengthen the rotator cuff muscles which will help protect the soft tissue structures around the shoulder in the long term. It is also worth noting that whiplash associated disorders are complex. sir i am a shuttle badminton player.. i got injury on my shoulder .. doc told to tke MRI scan.. after taking MRI scan these are the final impressions.. 1.partial tear in the supraspinatus tendon at the level of insertion in the greater tubersity for a length of about 15mm with intact insertion, 2 partial tear in the anterior superior labrum. Fig.1 Normal rotator cuff attachment around the humeral head Fig. But shoulder exercises from now until I die. There are several video examples to accompany the written explanation. Don't be afraid to have an open discussion with your GP about whether or not a referral to a surgeon is the right way to go (or not) for your specific circumstance. Stocking up on prepared foods or meal prepping in advance and freezing things, as well as scheduling services like house cleaning and laundry is also helpful. When supraspinatus tendon tear symptoms are chronic and severe, an orthopedic specialist will be able to provide good advice on likely recovery and treatment options, including the likelihood of successful recovery with or without surgery. It has been associated with older age and osteoarthritis, but often seems to occur when there is extra fluid in the gleno-humeral (ball and socket) joint. Rotator cuff tear is the term commonly used by the general public to describe any detachment or tear of the tendons that connect that connect or attach the muscle from your shoulder to the head of the humerus. Hey DrMikeM doin some research and came across your sight and thought I'd add my two cents. i was recently diagnosed via MRI that i have a supraspinatus tendon tear. 2. The first relates to the potential risk of a poorer outcome due to the delay; this may occur due to further damage being caused in structures that are difficult or impossible to repair etc. Many people with supraspinatus tears receive very good relief following a period of PT, but others do not. 18. Injury to the rotator cuff is common and progression of injury typically begins in the supraspinatus tendon mostly as a result of an intrinsic attritional process that leads to partial and eventually full-thickness tearing. 22. Now I have these results stated above. Some people need surgery to reattach a torn rotator cuff. However, worse yet would be delaying in such a way that you miss out on falling pregnant or delivering a healthy baby. What I can say is that for anyone looking to return to unrestricted badminton following a partial thickness supraspinatus tendon tear and shoulder labrum tear (particularly a SLAP lesion) will not be quick or easy. and seemed to be doing ok with Cortisone shots. Selected studies will be critically appraised by two independent reviewers using standardized critical appraisal instruments from JBI SUMARI. old I was in good physical shape as a letter carrier(28 yrs) but have been mostly sedentary recovering from the first surgery. If they do cause pain, then it is important to check with the PT that the technique and level of resistance is appropriate for your condition. The postoperative recovery period following a surgical rotator cuff repair will take months and involve a specific program of range of motion and strengthening exercises that your surgeon will prescribe, often in conjunction with a physical therapist who will teach you exercises and monitor your progression. Large rotator cuff tear with early loss of the cartilage of . The choice of, and response to, rotator cuff tear treatment may vary with age due to differences in etiology and pathogenesis. Here are the causes and treatments. In September '12 I had surgery to reattach both the right rotator supra and infraspinatus with excellent results. Exercise rehabilitation in the non-operative management of rotator cuff tears: a review of the literature. An analysis of the text words contained in the title and abstract, and of the index terms used to describe the articles will then be conducted. The plastic surgeon gave me 3 options, leave it be and it would only get worse as i age, cortisone shots which is just temp obviously or fix it.. should i get another mri to see if its healed some, i have got partial thickness insertional tear in supraspinatus 9mm*5mm. I just received my MRI report which states : supraspinatus tendon is thickened and immediate in signal, with a small 3mm (transverse) x 3mm (AP) full thickness footplate tear. How I Avoided Shoulder Surgery for a Torn Rotator Cuff So a second opinion may not always yield the same advice (even though both surgeons may be giving appropriate advice based on their own circumstances and information). Construction work and other high-risk physical jobs can also increase the likelihood of experiencing this type of injury. Rotator cuff exercises are often prescribed for people with a partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon. A full thickness tear of the supraspinatus. Unfortunately I can't give you specific advice over the internet. Good luck! First thing to say is that when the best way forward seems uncertain to someone, seeking a second opinion is usually not a bad idea. Are you wondering if it's possible to dislocate a rib? Generally, if an injury is going to heal on it's own, it gets better over time, unless it is re-injured. This sounds like quite a pain (literally). If they suggest surgery, ask them about what you can expect after surgery and the likely recovery time (including how long it is likely to be before you can use your arm for normal occupational or day to day activities). X-rays are often not very useful in diagnosing shoulder injuries. Your surgeon will be able to explain the potential risks and benefits (as well as if he thinks any alternatives are likely to be helpful). Thanks for sharing this detailed account with everyone. It may be helpful to think of the rotator cuff as a group of muscles and each muscle is connected to the bone via a tendon. Risk of infection and nerve damage are worthy of consideration for any surgery, particularly one as involved as a reverse shoulder replacement. I wear an arm sling a lot to relieve weight from my shoulder, which helps to some degree. !!! Although I probably wouldn't be forthcoming with the name of the first surgeon or advice given unless the surgeon actually asked about this directly. Thanks for stopping by, you have raised some very good questions. (Right)A full-thickness tear in the supraspinatus tendon. This article will discuss the nature of tendon injuries in the hand, how to know if, in fact, a tendon has been severed, and some tips on how to avoid such injuries. In the interim, physio, chiro, massage, taping were part of my pain management and ROM for all pain sites relating to MVA. They will have you move your arm in several different directions to measure the range of motion of your shoulder. 4. Sorry we are unable to give specific advice over the internet, but I hope this general information is helpful! The MRI report says: 1. very large, nearly complete tear of the supraspinatus tendon from the tendon insertion with 1cm retraction of tendon fibers. Even if surgery is required, the physical therapy program can help strengthen the rotator cuff muscles before the surgery. Can a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus heal without surgery The acromion connects with the collar bone (clavicle) very close to the ball and socket (glenohumeral) joint of the shoulder. Repair of high-grade partial thickness supraspinatus tears after It sounds like you are on the right track with your surgeon and physical therapist. Had mild discomfort in shoulder for a few weeks in August. If the pain has been present for only a couple of months (or less) and there were minimal risk of worsening the condition with delay, then often a trial of conservative management (e.g. There also is mild tendinosis of the infraspinatus at the footprint. So I think it would be wise to discuss the timing of surgery with your surgeon in the context of wanting to fall pregnant. It sounds like you have several concerning symptoms there. So my tear went from a near full thickness tear to a full thickness tear. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery may be required, or even rotator cuff tear procedures may be advised depending on the extent of the injury or damage to your supraspinatus muscle and surrounding bones, tendons, and muscles. Especially since my injury has gotten worse instead of better. I found it very helpful as I am sure all your other subscribers found it to be too. The chief advantage of nonsurgical treatment is that it avoids the major risks of surgery, such as: The disadvantages of nonsurgical treatment are: Your doctor may recommend surgery if your pain does not improve with nonsurgical methods. Supraspinatus Tear - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Rehabilitation Because of the return of the recent pain, another MRI was ordered and the Radiologist wrote: "1. My doctor has told me I need to have arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair. Superior subluxation of the humeral head. ROM decreased. Poorly defined large full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon measuring at least 2 cm in anteroposterior dimension. Data will be extracted from papers included in the review using standardized data extraction tools in JBI SUMARI.26 The data extracted will include specific details about the populations, interventions, study methods and outcomes of significance to the review question and objectives. I have full range of motion and only occasional soreness now and again, but can't sleep on that side. Surgery may also involve orthopedic alteration of biomechanical factors around the shoulder joint in order to prevent further ongoing damage to the supraspinatus tendon. Does a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon need surgery Come September of 2010 I chose not to re-enlist and returned home. Physical examinations, imaging tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and ultrasound scans are all used to diagnose supraspinatus tears. I am unable to carry any significant weight. An important thing to consider (as you have correctly mentioned) is that a reverse shoulder replacement is probably unlikely to restore normal shoulder function and resolve the pain if substantial soft tissue problems are still present in the tendons around the shoulder. There are several treatment options for a rotator cuff tear, and the best option is different for every person. Please try after some time. I don't lay on the side of the hurt arm as I don't think it will be good for it. All the best with it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It is difficult for me to comment further based on this information. The lack of a normal amount of synovial fluid in the joint space could potentially be a sign of adhesive capsulitis (also known as frozen shoulder) among some people. I mention this, as this will often influence treatment decisions. There are at least three important factors that contribute to supraspinatus tendon tears. Rotator cuff tears are more common in the dominant arm the arm you prefer to use for most tasks. Management of full thickness rotator cuff tears in the : JBI 2 Rotator cuff viewed from above Fig. They will be able to tell you the likelihood of a supraspinatus tear and adhesive capsulitis (or any other pathology), as well as the recommended course of action for your particular circumstance. I plan on asking the surgeon these questions, but wanted your expert opinion. As you have correctly identified, there is quite a long recovery period following surgical repairs of rotator cuff injuries, but on the other hand, there is a pretty good success rate among people who follow the post-operative instructions. Shoulder dislocation, shoulder instability, and shoulder subluxation can all coexist or happen as the result of a partial or full thickness shoulder supraspinatus tear, particularly when these tears occur as a result of trauma to the shoulder joint or acute injury. Failure to do so increases the risk of progression to a supraspinatus tendon full thickness tear. The incident happened on Sept 25 and it is now Nov 10. I hope I have not waited to long for having this checked, and the only option will be surgery. It's a supraspinatus tendon tear with 50% thickness and no labral tear. This can be one of the most frustrating things for people who have whiplash associated disorders. Other tests which may help your doctor confirm your diagnosis include: If you have a rotator cuff tear and keep using it despite increasing pain, you may cause further damage. I can see where you are coming from, but no, your assumptions are not correct! People who play baseball, tennis, and similar sports with a lot of overhead or overarm motions as well people in trades like painting, carpentry, plumbing, and other construction work that involves a lot of overhead motion are also more prone to degenerative tears of the supraspinatus and the other tendons that make up your shoulder joint. It would be much wiser to follow your surgeons instructions (which usually involve keeping arm in sling for 6+ weeks depending on surgery / surgeon etc. Hopefully your doctor can give you specific advice in this regard. Where required, authors of papers will be contacted to request for missing or additional data. These types of injuries seem quite common for people who work in construction and are often associated with doing work above shoulder height. This illustration of the shoulder highlights the major components of the joint. If muscles of the rotator cuff are not providing adequate stability throughout the shoulder's range of motion, this can contribute to shoulder impingement and a break down of the supraspinatus tendon. This surgery is no joke!! I served in the Navy for many years, and in April of 2010 I had a little mishap. Advice welcomed. Jung HJ, Sim GB, Bae KH, Kekatpure AL, Chun JM, Jeon IH. It may be as small as a pinpoint, or the tear may involve the entire tendon. In layman terms, I would say this means your supraspinatus tendon has probably been irritated for quite a while, and has a small tear near where it attaches to the bone (but tendon is currently still attached). Patients 55 years and over have recently been found to be receiving surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears, indicating a rising trend towards surgical repair of rotator cuff tears.24 While surgery is considered an effective treatment, recurrent tears are common, especially degenerative tears, which are frequent in the older population.1 Studies on non-surgical treatments have also demonstrated positive results for full thickness rotator cuff tears.2 Exercise therapy may improve joint stability and reduce translation of the glenoid humeral joint, but has difficulty restoring kinematics to that of an intact rotator cuff.16.