Common Questions Regarding Treatment of a Large Rotator Cuff Tear

[mtomaino]

I recently answered a number of questions from a 53 yo patient who emailed me.He has a large cuff tear--sustained in November. He has weakness and some pain, but pretty good function. He is from out of state and is contemplating a repair because he wants to ensure that he does not miss the opportunity for repair.

Of note, his MRI reveals some atrophy of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles, which can lessen the success of tendon to bone healing even after a technically successful repair. And, there is slight superior elevation, which implies that the humeral head is starting to migrate due to loss of the depressor function of the cuff.

I thought my responses to his questions would be worthwhile to post since these are common questions. Further, my answers may serve as a springboard for others to comment and/or posttheir own questions.

See the next thread for these questions and my responses.