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Can The Tear Of The Supraspinatus Get Worse Leading To Worsening Arthritis And Weakness When Scheduled For Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 17 Sep 2020

Question: I am scheduled for rotator cuff repair surgery Tuesday. I have a full thickness 1.4 cm tear of the supraspinatus. I have read about how difficult this is and would like to know if I don't get surgery is it possible for this tear to get worse, arthritis to get worse, weakness worse, etc.? I had horrible pain for a while and now it is just occasional stabbing pain when moving and shoulder ache. I am 59 years old and female.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes. It can get worse and require a shoulder replacement

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

I have read your query and understood your problem. Yes, the problem will get worse if you don't get it treated.

The tear can increase in size and cause further weakness in abduction of the shoulder. The head of the humerus will subluxate superiorly and cause severe arthritis in due time which will require Shoulder replacement.

Hence it is best to get the Rotator cuff repair done.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr.Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (47 minutes later)

Thanks. Any idea why I would have such severe, pulsating pain for a week, and then it went to just a shoulder ache and an occasional sharp pain with certain movements. Just puzzled by this.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Tear

Detailed Answer:
This is pain due to the damaged muscle tendon region of the Rotator cuff. Keep the shoulder immobilised in a shoulder arm pouch till your surgery is done.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T