Customized Rotator Cuff Treatment

Rotator cuff problems may vary from mild wear and tear with impingement and inflammation to partial tears, full tears and cuff tear related arthritis of the shoulder.

In many cases, physiotherapy may suffice to restore function and reduce pain in the shoulder. Complete tears of the rotator cuff may require surgical repair in order to relieve the symptoms and restore function back to the shoulder. Modern surgical techniques improve the success rates of such operations. The particular surgical technique used during a repair operation depends on the size, location and type of rotator cuff tear.

In some cases, the torn tendons may be very symptomatic and irreparable. In such cases, surgery may help alleviate the symptoms. The treatment prescribed would depend on whether the main symptoms are that of pain, weakness or both. Often, merely relieving the pain can dramatically improve the shoulder strength.

Dr Bernard Lee employs a variety of procedures to get the best out of such severely damaged shoulders. Sometimes, insertion of a simple subacromial balloon may be all that is required. In other cases, more complex procedures such as partial cuff repairs, superior capsule reconstruction or a joint replacement may be necessary. Being well-versed in a wide variety of options, Dr Bernard Lee and is able to tailor the treatment based on the severity and needs of every unique individual.

Double-Row SutureBridge Repair for Large Rotator Cuff Tears

Reference:
Improved results with double row repairs for large tears

Results of superior capsule reconstruction
1) Clinical Results of Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears,
https://www.arthroscopyjournal.org/article/S0749-8063(12)01789-6/abstract

2) Preliminary Results of Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction with Dermal Allograft,
https://www.arthroscopyjournal.org/article/S0749-8063(17)31092-7/abstract

3) Superior Capsular Reconstruction: Clinical Outcomes After Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up,
https://www.amjorthopedics.com/article/superior-capsular-reconstruction-clinical-outcomes-after-minimum-2-year-follow