Rotator Cuff Tear services offered in Oklahoma City, OK
About 22% of Americans have a rotator cuff tear, and you’re more likely to experience this issue as you age.
At Prairie Garden Medical, a multi-specialty practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, dedicated orthopedic surgeons Joel Tupper, MD, and Daniel Jones, MD, offer a wide range of effective treatments for rotator cuff tears.
Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule your visit now.
Rotator Cuff Tear Q&A
What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear is an injury affecting one of the four tendons that join at the top of your humerus (upper arm bone). The rotator cuff connects your humerus to your scapula (shoulder blade) and enables arm lifting and rotation.
The main causes of rotator cuff tears include age-related wear of the shoulder tissues and acute injuries like shoulder dislocations.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff tears are often quite uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as:
- Nighttime shoulder pain
- Pain when moving your arm up and down
- Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
- Grating sensation when moving your shoulder
- Rotator cuff tears can make it hard to keep up normal activities, such as driving, brushing your hair, or dressing yourself. And rotator cuff tears take many athletes out of their sport.
A rotator cuff tear may eventually lead to shoulder arthritis and even more severe symptoms, so it’s important to diagnose and treat it promptly.
What kind of rotator cuff tear do I have?
The team evaluates your rotator cuff tear based on how deep it goes into your tendon.
Partial tear
A partial tear happens when the tendon has a partial rip but the tendon remains attached to the bone. Partial tears can be shallow or extend halfway (or more) through the thickness of the tendon.
While a partial tear isn’t as serious as a full-thickness tear, the tendon is still thinner than normal. A partial tear can progress into a complete tear.
Full-thickness tear
A full-thickness tear extends all the way through the tendon. With a full-thickness incomplete tear, the tendon is mainly still attached to the bone. A full-thickness complete tear is like a hole in the tendon.
Partial and full-thickness tears can be small, moderate, or quite large.
What is the best treatment for rotator cuff tears?
About 85% of people with rotator cuff tears get better with conservative treatments like physical therapy, wearing a sling, activity changes, and corticosteroid injections.
If you have persistent pain for more than six months or develop a large tear, the Prairie Garden Medical team may recommend surgery like shoulder arthroscopy or shoulder replacement. There are effective surgical options for all types of rotator cuff tears.
Prairie Garden Medical offers rotator cuff tear care from experts who treat you like family. Book your appointment online or call the office today.