Rotator Cuff Injury
Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve throwing overhead? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining a rotator cuff tear. A rotator cuff tear is typically caused by a fall, sports injury or degeneration. Rotator cuff injury specialist, Dr. Nikhil Verma provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Chicago who have sustained a rotator cuff injury. Contact Dr. Verma’s team today!
Rotator Cuff Injury Overview
The shoulder joint is a highly active joint that allows the largest range of motion of any other joint. A group of four muscles-tendons, commonly known as the “rotator cuff,” surround the shoulder joint and provide strength and allow for overhead motion of the arm. A rotator cuff injury is very common in both young and adult patients. Rotator cuff injuries can occur from a fall, sports injury, repetitive overhead arm movement and degeneration of the tendon. Dr. Nikhil Verma, shoulder specialist serving the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois area, is extremely skilled in treating a torn rotator cuff and returning patients to an active lifestyle.
A rotator cuff injury can occur when any of the four muscle-tendon groups become damaged or injured. If damaged, a loss of mobility and severe pain may occur. This is commonly characterized by a “tearing” or separation of the tendon attachment off of the humerus.
Treatment for a Torn Rotator Cuff
A rotator cuff injury may be treated without surgery in many cases. The success of non-surgical treatment depends on the type of rotator cuff injury, the size of the tear and patient activity level.
Non-Surgical
The goal of non-surgical treatment is to reduce inflammation and strengthen the uninjured shoulder muscles to compensate for the torn rotator cuff. Ice and heat, rest, physical therapy and the use of medications may be used to alleviate pain and encourage healing. In addition, cortisone injections may be used to alleviate pain and allow for improved function.
Surgical
If surgery is recommended, Dr. Verma will present the options and discuss the outcome and benefits of each procedure. Age, activity level and injury severity will all be taken into account in the decision process.
If surgery is needed, Dr. Verma strives to achieve maximum recovery with minimal surgery using an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. With this procedure, a torn rotator cuff is repaired through a series of small incisions. A small camera is used to view the damaged area on a large television screen. With the help of the large view, Dr. Verma is then able to insert small surgical instruments to repair the injury. The advantage of arthroscopic surgery is less pain and a faster return to activity in many cases.
For more information on rotator cuff injuries, or for additional resources on rotator cuff injury treatment, please contact the office of Dr. Nikhil Verma, shoulder specialist treating patients living in the communities of Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois.
