Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in NJ

Do you experience sudden, searing shoulder pain when lifting a bag of groceries, reaching up to a high shelf, or rotating your arm to swing a tennis racket or golf club? If so, a rotator cuff injury may be the culprit. Affecting between 6.8% and 22.4% of the population over age 40, rotator cuff tears can occur in people of all ages and are one of the most common injuries we see at our state-of-the-art clinic.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our award-winning team of doctors specializes in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff injuries. Whether you’re looking to resume elite athletic training as quickly as possible or simply perform daily tasks and activities without navigating debilitating pain, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you restore your quality of life.

For clear answers, compassionate care, and a tailored treatment approach that will put you on the fastest road to recovery, contact our office today to book your initial consultation appointment!

Anatomy Of The Rotator Cuff

The shoulder is the most complex and flexible joint in the body. Enabling you to perform a vast range of different movements including reaching, lifting, rotating, and throwing, it is composed of 3 bones and 2 joints: The acromioclavicular joint joins the top of the shoulder blade to the clavicle (collar bone) and the glenohumeral joint joins the humerus (upper arm bone) to the scapula (shoulder blade). Numerous muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues surround and connect the bones in both joints, allowing for strength, flexibility, and full range of motion in the shoulder.

The glenohumeral joint, which is known as a ball-and-socket joint, brings together the round head of the humerus and the shallow, dish-like glenoid socket of the shoulder blade. This design allows for an extensive range of motion in the shoulder but is also inherently unstable. The rotator cuff, a group of four muscles that surrounds the shoulder, is one of the primary structures responsible for the stabilization of the shoulder and maintains the humerus in place during a wide variety of movements. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the tendons that attach the rotator cuff muscles to bone becomes damaged or detaches from the bone entirely.

What Can Cause Rotator Cuff Tears?

The most common cause of rotator cuff tears is progressive wear and tear over time, but this injury can also occur for many other reasons. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our exceptional team regularly works with patients experiencing rotator cuff pain due to:

• Acute Injury – A car accident, sports injury, or other high-impact event that damages the rotator cuff
• Overuse – Repetitive movements involving the shoulder joint that stress and weaken the rotator cuff over time
• Degenerative Disease – Diseases or conditions that impact the rotator cuff and continue to worsen over time
• Bone Spurs – Bony growths in the shoulder joint that cause friction between the bone and tendon

Other factors that may increase a patient’s risk of experiencing a rotator cuff tear include aging, experiencing a fall on an outstretched arm, having a family history of shoulder problems, or regularly engaging in activities that require overhead movements.

Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Tears

The symptoms of rotator cuff injuries can range from mild to severe and may affect every patient differently. They commonly include one or more of the following:

• Pain in the shoulder that may extend into the upper arm
• Shoulder pain that worsens over time, at rest, or at night
• Limited range of motion, especially when lifting or reaching overhead
• Muscle weakness in the shoulder and/or arm
• Popping or crackling sensation when moving the arm
• A feeling that the shoulder is locked in place

Diagnosis Process Of Rotator Cuff Tears

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, the diagnosis of a rotator cuff injury begins with an in-depth review of patient symptoms and medical history as well as a thorough physical examination. Diagnostic imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may also be ordered and, in certain cases, an exploratory arthroscopic procedure may be recommended. Our goal is always to make the most accurate diagnosis possible in order to tailor a treatment plan that will result in the best possible outcomes.

Non-Surgical Treatments

In many cases, rotator cuff tears are highly responsive to non-surgical treatment options including:

• Rest and/or immobilization
• Physical therapy
• Pain medication
• Corticosteroid injections

Surgical Options

In more severe cases, a surgical rotator cuff repair or reconstruction may offer the best path forward. Whenever possible, a minimally invasive surgical approach will be used to minimize risk and reduce recovery time. Speak directly with one of our expert orthopedic specialists for further information about which surgery will best help you achieve your health goals.

Expert Advice On Care & Prevention

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our leading doctors use the most innovative and precise rotator cuff treatments to achieve outstanding results for our patients. To learn more about how our world-class team can help you eliminate shoulder pain and regain your strength, mobility, and quality of life, contact us to book an appointment today!

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

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