Torn rotator cuffs can be very painful injuries to the shoulder. The shoulder consists of a ball and socket where the arm bone is kept in the shoulder socket by a network of muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one of the tendons attached to the rotator cuff tears and is no longer attached to the head of the arm bone. The tear may be a small partial tear that does not sever the tendon, or the tendon can be completely detached from the bone. Torn rotator cuffs are a common injury.
There are normally three causes of rotator cuff tears. The first is a traumatic injury, such as a car accident, a fall, or a sports injury. The second cause is old age. The third cause is repetitive use, such as doing repetitive motions at work. Some torn rotator cuffs can be treated without surgery.
There are a number of factors doctors consider when deciding whether or not to operate, including the patient’s age, when the injury occurred, and the patient’s job. In most cases, if a patient needs to fully use their shoulder again, surgery is required. Some surgical procedures to fix rotator cuff tears involve procedures that are less invasive than in years past. For minor rotator cuff tears, they often heal on their own. Some patients choose to get steroid injections or to use a combination of drugs, ice, heat and rest.
If you have suffered a torn rotator cuff, it’s important to get medical attention for the injury. You should also talk to a lawyer who can advise you on whether you have any legal options. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles personal injury attorney at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.