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How Serious Is A Tear Of The Supraspinatus?
Question: Male 72. MRI result. I have a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus. Measures 3 cm in transverse dimension and 2 cm in AP dimension. I'm having shoulder surgery. What sort of outcome may I expect. How serious is this? Thank you. YYYY@YYYY How long to recover?
Brief Answer:
Patient compliance with rehabilitation is must
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
After going through the description of injury, surgery has a definite role and the majority of patients report improved shoulder strength and less pain after surgery for a torn rotator cuff. Each surgical repair technique (open, mini-open, and arthroscopic) has similar results in terms of pain relief, improvement in strength and function, and patient satisfaction. Surgeon expertise is more important in achieving satisfactory results than the choice of technique.
This is the routine surgical procedure and mostly is safe in experienced hands with satisfactory results. Do you smoke or take other nicotine products as they are associated with less satisfactory results beside poor patient compliance with rehabilitation.
Usually the rehabilitation begins once the repaired tendon is healed that is usually after 4-6 weeks time under a physiotherapist guidance. They start with passive exercises after 4-6 weeks followed by active exercises for next 6 weeks. The complete recovery takes several months. Most patients have a functional range of motion and adequate strength by 4 to 6 months after surgery. Although it is a slow process, your commitment to rehabilitation is key to a successful outcome.
I hope this information suffices.
Take care
Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon
Virtual clinic http://bit.ly/drmchugh
Patient compliance with rehabilitation is must
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
After going through the description of injury, surgery has a definite role and the majority of patients report improved shoulder strength and less pain after surgery for a torn rotator cuff. Each surgical repair technique (open, mini-open, and arthroscopic) has similar results in terms of pain relief, improvement in strength and function, and patient satisfaction. Surgeon expertise is more important in achieving satisfactory results than the choice of technique.
This is the routine surgical procedure and mostly is safe in experienced hands with satisfactory results. Do you smoke or take other nicotine products as they are associated with less satisfactory results beside poor patient compliance with rehabilitation.
Usually the rehabilitation begins once the repaired tendon is healed that is usually after 4-6 weeks time under a physiotherapist guidance. They start with passive exercises after 4-6 weeks followed by active exercises for next 6 weeks. The complete recovery takes several months. Most patients have a functional range of motion and adequate strength by 4 to 6 months after surgery. Although it is a slow process, your commitment to rehabilitation is key to a successful outcome.
I hope this information suffices.
Take care
Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon
Virtual clinic http://bit.ly/drmchugh
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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