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Do you have shoulder pain? There's a chance you have a rotator cuff injury. Our specialists at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics specialize in rotator cuff repairs and can get you out of a sling as early as one week after surgery.
Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain, particularly in active individuals, aging populations, and those with repetitive shoulder movements in their daily activities or professions. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of motion. Damage to this crucial structure can lead to pain, weakness, and loss of function.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?
Rotator cuff tears can be caused by:
- Trauma: Sudden injuries, such as a fall or lifting something heavy, can tear the rotator cuff.
- Repetitive Motion: Overuse injuries, common in athletes or workers who perform overhead motions repeatedly.
- Degenerative Changes: As we age, the tendons can wear down, leading to partial or full-thickness tears over time.
Signs your tore your rotator cuff
If you're experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort, it’s important to recognize the signs of a potential rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is responsible for stabilizing your shoulder and enabling movements like lifting and rotating your arm. Here are some common symptoms that may suggest a rotator cuff injury:
1. Shoulder Pain
- Location: Pain is often felt in the front or side of the shoulder, and it may radiate down the upper arm.
- Activity-Related: Pain may worsen with specific arm movements, especially reaching overhead or lifting objects.
- Nighttime Pain: You might experience increased discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder or while trying to sleep.
2. Weakness in the Shoulder
- Loss of Strength: Difficulty lifting or rotating your arm, particularly when raising your arm above your head.
- Tasks Become Challenging: Everyday activities like combing your hair or reaching for objects on a high shelf may feel more difficult.
3. Limited Range of Motion
- Stiffness: The shoulder may feel stiff or restricted in its movement, making it difficult to rotate or raise your arm fully.
- Clicking or Popping: Some people experience a clicking or popping sensation when moving the shoulder.
4. Swelling or Tenderness
- You may notice swelling, inflammation, or tenderness around the front or side of the shoulder joint.
5. Increased Pain with Certain Activities
- Pain may worsen when performing overhead movements, lifting objects, or reaching behind your back (like fastening a seatbelt).
Gradual Onset vs. Sudden Injury
- Degenerative Tears: If your rotator cuff injury is the result of wear and tear, the symptoms may appear gradually over time.
- Acute Injury: In cases of trauma or a sudden injury, such as lifting something heavy or a fall, pain and weakness may be more immediate and severe.
Traditional Treatment Approaches
Treatment for rotator cuff tears ranges from conservative options like physical therapy and injections to surgical repair for more severe tears. Historically, surgery involved reattaching the torn tendon to the bone, followed by extensive rehabilitation. However, the success of the surgery can be affected by factors like the size of the tear and the quality of the tissue.
The Game-Changer: Smith & Nephew's REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant
Smith & Nephew's REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant has revolutionized rotator cuff repair by addressing some of the limitations of traditional methods. The REGENETEN implant is a bioinductive scaffold that helps promote the body’s natural healing response. It induces new tendon-like tissue growth over the rotator cuff, providing support during the healing process and helping to reduce the risk of re-tear.
How Does the REGENETEN Implant Work?
The implant is made from highly purified collagen, designed to be absorbed by the body over time. Once placed over the injured area of the rotator cuff during surgery, it triggers the formation of new tendon-like tissue. This bioinductive response:
- Enhances the structural integrity of the tendon.
- Encourages tendon healing at an earlier stage.
- Reduces the risk of re-injury, especially in cases of partial-thickness tears.
Key Benefits of the REGENETEN Implant
- Minimally Invasive: The REGENETEN implant can often be placed arthroscopically, meaning smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
- Faster Recovery: By promoting early healing, patients may experience faster recovery and regain function more quickly.
- Reduced Risk of Retear: The bioinductive nature of the implant strengthens the tendon, potentially decreasing the risk of future tears.
- Broad Applicability: This technology can be used for both partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears, making it versatile in different cases.
Why Consider the REGENETEN Implant for Rotator Cuff Repair?
For patients dealing with the frustration of rotator cuff tears, the REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant offers an exciting advancement. By combining traditional repair techniques with bioinductive technology, it provides a more comprehensive solution aimed at long-term success.
Garden State Pain and Orthopedics’ Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Deepan Patel, specializes in rotator cuff repairs in Clifton, Jersey City, Edison, and West Orange, New Jersey. Dr. Patel uses REGENETEN’s implant because it offers a fast recovery, and promotes a stronger repair.
What is the recovery time for a rotator cuff repair?
In a presentation on Smith and Nephew’s REGENETEN Bioinductive implant, Dr. Deepan Patel explained, “Having a traditional repair results in 6 weeks in a sling, passive range of motion for 6 weeks, and then the patient resumes active range of motion after six weeks.
With this (Regeneten’s BioInductive Implant}, patients begin immediate pendulums in the first few days. Within 3-5 days patients resume passive to active assist range of motion, and the sling comes off at 1 week. Which is a huge difference.”
For more information about the REGENETEN repair, please visit their website here: https://www.smith-nephew.com/en-us/health-care-professionals/products/sports-medicine/regeneten-bioinductive-implant.
If you are having shoulder pain and have questions about rotator cuff repairs please select “Book Now” to schedule an appointment. Dr. Patel is available at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics' locations in Jersey City, West Orange, Clifton, and Edison, New Jersey.
Listen to Dr. Deepan Patel's presentation on Rotator Cuffs here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAQz95xR2sG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==