What is the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons in your shoulder. These muscles help your arm move and keep your shoulder stable. You use your rotator cuff every time you lift your arm, reach, or throw a ball.

What Happens in a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Sometimes, the tendons in your rotator cuff can tear. This might happen suddenly, like during a fall, or over time from wear and tear. Rotator cuff tears can cause pain, weakness, and trouble moving your shoulder.

How Common Are Rotator Cuff Tears?

Rotator cuff tears are very common, especially as people get older. In fact, about 2 out of 3 adults over age 70 have a rotator cuff tear! But not all tears cause pain or need treatment.

How Are Rotator Cuff Tears Treated?

There are two main ways to treat rotator cuff tears:

1. Non-Surgical Treatment

   • Many people feel better with rest, physical therapy, and sometimes injections to reduce pain and inflammation.

   • This is a good option if the tear is small or if surgery isn’t right for you.

2. Surgical Treatment

   • If the tear is big or doesn’t get better with therapy, surgery might be needed. During surgery, Dr. Fury repairs the torn tendons to help the shoulder heal and function better.

Challenges with Rotator Cuff Healing

Sometimes, a rotator cuff tear doesn’t heal well, even after surgery. Older age, poor tendon quality, or very large tears can make healing harder. In some cases, the tear may be too old or big to fix. These are called “irreparable tears.”

Dr. Fury’s Advanced Techniques

Dr. Fury uses the latest and most advanced methods to help your shoulder heal and get stronger. He specializes in several cutting-edge procedures, including:

• Tendon Transfer Surgery
  This innovative surgery uses nearby tendons to take over the job of your torn rotator cuff. It’s a great option for patients with tears that were once considered impossible to fix.

• Grafts and Biologic Treatments
  For high-risk tears that are harder to heal, Dr. Fury may use grafts or special biologic treatments. These techniques aim to improve healing and give you the best chance of success.

• Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  If your rotator cuff tear is irreparable and tendon transfers are not necessary, shoulder replacement surgery can often be a fantastic solution. In this procedure, damaged parts of your shoulder are replaced with artificial parts to restore movement and reduce pain.

Every treatment is tailored to you. Dr. Fury will consider the type of tear, your overall health, and your goals after surgery to recommend the best approach. Whether it’s advanced surgical repair or shoulder replacement, Dr. Fury’s expertise can help you get back to the activities you love