I've gotten results of a MRI arthrogram on my right shoulder (-all previous surgeries were on the left shoulder-) which indicated an articular sided partial tear of the Supraspinatus. I was given options of surgery, cortisone shot, or PT. I took PT.... really don't want another shoulder surgery. Soooo....is it realistic that I can avoid surgery and not tear this tendon further? I have a very active life and teach physically disabled students....so my job is also active. My partial tear of same tendon on left became a complete tear in about a year....and I was babying it as much as possible after 2 surgeries.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks,
Jo

that is the question only you can answer. how much pain are you in and how restricted is your movement and life? would the surgeon just debride it since it is partial? how does the other feel after 2 surgeries? worth it? can you pinpoint why there is a tear? overuse? spurs? age? MRI's can show pathology in any shoulder - it is whether real and/or you can live with it are the questions to consider! is it worth the risks of complications? if he is giving you those choices, what do you think that means?

Riderk,

Thanks for your questions....I have asked myself several of these since I injured it....yes, there was an event....lifting a heavy object awkwardly and backwards while sitting down. I knew right away from the sounds and pain, it was probably torn...just didn't want to deal with it while recovering from recent surgery. Restrictions...yes, but PT is doing some ultrasound treatments that have helped. My surgery shoulder is making good progress and I am happy to have done this last surgery. So having the OS 'fix it' is a good option, but he is also concerned with my tendency for scarring -I am too. Since this is my dominate arm, I would like to see what PT can do to strengthen the other cuff muscles to maybe compensate for the torn one. The PT is hopeful, but also realistic that this might not be totally effective.

Thanks again for your response ... Hope you are doing well.

Jo

I am sure you will make the right decision for yourself. I sincerely wish you the best. scarring is a natural response, it only becomes a problem when it goes overboard. you have to forgive me for being a cynic. I wish I could be 100% but it isn't going to happen.

I am doing well, thanks for asking. I am clawing my way out of this immobilizer at night. My husband says he can hear the velcro ripping now and then. I am counting the days till i can ditch this sling and resume my life. What is weird is that this total replacement is not nearly as horrendous and painful as the rotator cuff repair. never even had to sleep in a recliner!

Jo,

Rider is right in the sense that only you know when enough is enough to say it's time for surgery, but it's always nice to know input from others. Sometimes tho, it just takes a gut feeling to know what to do. I do know that articular sided cuff tears receive very poor blood supply making healing especially difficult and not the greatest for repair...did he say he would repair or debride? I think we can all safely say that the decision-making stage is probably the most difficult and stressful, we just never know if going through with surgery is the right decision, and causes loss of sleep, which makes it even harder to make a decision.

I always agree that PT first is always the best way to go and if not successful, then take the next step. This past surgery was an incredibly hard decision for me to make, I knew how risky it was to have another surgery, for it was more trauma, even if it was just a 'clean up'. I was actually greatful when my OS and PT both stepped in and said I didn't really have a choice in the matter, it just wasn't possible to function the way my shoulder was...and knowing they were both advocates the past couple years trying to avoid surgery at all costs, I knew it needed to be done. My gut just said there was no way around it, best get it out of the way. So far, I'm happy with my decision...as right now, I'm sitting here typing this message, not on any painkillers and am painfree for the first time in 8 years and have had consecutive full nights sleep (mind you, how long it'll last, I'm not sure and don't want to jinx it *touch wood*)

Best of luck

Leanne,

Thanks for the info on articular sided tears...the surgeon said this would be a repair, but it is a difficult repair....so this might be what he meant. I'm seeing him this week for a progress check on the left shoulder so I know he will also check the right to see how it's doing. I am personally on a holding pattern for the right shoulder....and that is okay.

Thanks again and I am glad to hear that you are doing well and are pain-free....take it and run!! I hope you have similar days in your future!!!

Jo