Torn rotator cuff?!
Question: I have torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders, and I'm not sure when I should do something about it, ie surgery. My right is worse than my left, in that it crunches when I put any pressure on it and hurts if I sleep on my side for any length of time. But, as far as daily activities, neither shoulder hurts me at all, nor is my range of motion limited. I'm 32 and in good shape. Would it be better for me to have the surgery now, while I'm younger and in good shape, or wait until the last moment possible?
Answers: I have torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders, and I'm not sure when I should do something about it, ie surgery. My right is worse than my left, in that it crunches when I put any pressure on it and hurts if I sleep on my side for any length of time. But, as far as daily activities, neither shoulder hurts me at all, nor is my range of motion limited. I'm 32 and in good shape. Would it be better for me to have the surgery now, while I'm younger and in good shape, or wait until the last moment possible?
if you are not a heavy overhead user (pitcher, tennis, serving in volleyball, work etc) i would seriously doubt that you have a cuff tear. you are too young. more than likely you have bursitis and that is what is "crunching". however if the cuff is truly torn (mri, arthrogram arthroscopy) then there is no question it should be fixed now. early fixation of cuff tears leads to statistically significantly better results. late repairs are much more difficult to do as the muscle retracts (like a rubber band) and over the term of disuse turns into fatty type tissue. then as there is no muscle to keep the joint aligned the humerus starts to upride in the joint and causes the late sequella of "rotator cuff arthropathy" that is arthritis (wearing out) of the shoulder and that is one big mess of pain and hard as all get out to resolve. jantje
It truly would be best to have the surgery now. If you wait for another 10 to 15 years you could have more significant damage that will be more difficult to correct: I.E. your dominant arm could become more torn causing a longer surgical incision, longer healing time, and more difficult physical therapy afterwards.
Of course the benefits of having it now, while your younger, are faster healing time, less time spent doing physical therapy, and less time out of work.
However, these are questions best asked to your surgeon/healthcare provider. Bases on your imaging tests, labs, and current health condition your Doctors will be able to put you on the best case senario track for mending your shoulders and getting you on the best road to recovery.
-Best of Luck and I hope this helps!
Typically a torn rotator cuff will exhibit the lack of ability to raise your arms out to the side, if this can be attempted without difficulties you most likely do not have a rotator cuff or a least not a complete tear. If not caused by injury the tendon of the rotator cuff becomes injured or frayed by constant rubbing on a something like a bone spur which can be very sharp. If surgery is indicated get ready for some sleepless nights, you may want to sleep in a recliner chair due to the anatomical position of your arms when you lay down. You also need to prepare for some extensive rehab and you may not gain full range of motion after surgery. Your doctor will explain. You may have tendonitis or bursitis, get an MRI before delving into surgery. Good luck.
I don't think they are completely torn, my daughter went through this and couldn't even hardly dress herself, and couldn't use the arm it was on. Plus it has a tear and physical therapy worked great!!! I would speak and check with an
orthopedic Dr. and see if this would be an alternative to surgery, it doesn't sound bad enough for surgery to me.;;;;