Rotator cuff full thickness tear. Should I get surgery?

[Maximus]

72 years old. MRI revealed full thickness tear of the rotator cuff supraspinatus tendon. Degenerative not traumatic. Pain over the years got very bad four months ago when it probably fully tore. Now the pain is mostly gone and range of motion is pretty good

Ortho said since pain is light to moderate and range of motion is ok that it is up to me to decide if I can live with it want to proceed with surgery. The downside is that with no repair that at some point the tendon could retract and cause additional pain. If it retracts too far it can not be reattached to the humeral head. A shoulder replacement would be the only solution.

I have read all three rotator cuff threads on here. Lots of information regarding people who had partial tears. Not much about full thickness. Has anyone here had a full thickness tear and declined surgery and just lived with this condition?

 

[skipro33]

I have both shoulders torn rotator cuff. When I spoke to the surgeon, he said that it would be painful recovery and a year after surgery before the pain would be lessened. He also said it would not work any better than it does now. He said as long as it isn't too painful, it's better to leave it as-is than to take the shoulder out of commission for a year. He did give me a cortizone shot which completely eliminated any pain. I just have to remember not to try any motion that is overhanded, like throwing a ball for example. That motion is the worst. I can work lawn and garden tools fine, just not most things overhead.

 

[Aerides]

If it doesn't hurt then don't. Learn to prioritize your other hand/arm for anything heavy or overhead.
The surgery means a sling for 6/8 weeks, and 6 months to get back to minimal use, even longer to get to full strength. And after all that you can still have pain

I have a partial tear that stopped hurting after a year of cortisone shots, and my doc agrees leave it alone, my choice.

 

[Koolau]

I guess I'd be asking about what % chance of the tendon retracting. If it's small, I'd not do the surgery but YMMV.

 

[OldShooter]

For a roll-the-dice situation like this one appears to be, I would get a second opinion. If possible, go to Cleveland Clinic, Mayo, etc. They do second opinions all the time. Your doc can probably refer you there. He shouldn't be insulted by your request. If he is, you have other problems.

 

[Koolau]

For a roll-the-dice situation like this one appears to be, I would get a second opinion. If possible, go to Cleveland Clinic, Mayo, etc. They do second opinions all the time. Your doc can probably refer you there. He shouldn't be insulted by your request. If he is, you have other problems.

Excellent idea. It may be possible just for the doctor to send all the imaging for reevaluation without need for travel. Best luck, Maximus!

 

[MC Rider]

I like Koolau's idea. Keep an eye on it for a while. No need to rush into surgery. Imho.

 

[street]

Great advice don't rush into anything and in the meantime, I would also get a second opinion

 

[Maximus]

Thanks everyone. Great input.

 

[OldShooter]

I disagree on the idea of doing the consultation by mail. Much of the value will come from talking to the doctor, asking questions and getting answers. That dialogue is impossible with a mail-order second opinion.

 

[JDARNELL]

I had that surgery 2 years ago. I was in a lot of pain though and the concern was it was going to get worse as I was pretty active riding motorcycles etc. The recovery took about a year overall and the first 6 months was PT 3 days a week. From time to time I still have a little pain. For example I no longer sleep on that side.

I think I would keep an eye one it and get a second opinion. And I wouldn't do it before its time. Would I do it again? Yes as it was impacting my activity. Do I want to go through it again? Nope!

 

[Looking4Ward]

After decades of weightlifting I had to have both shoulders done. Full thick tear on both. First the left side would wake me up at night, couldn't bench press or do overhead moves anymore. They also did a bicep tenodesis on that one. Recovery took about 4 months before full ROM and another 6 months or so to feel normal.

Two years later my right shoulder started having the same symptoms and pain. Another rotator cuff surgery and bicep tenodesis. This time, recovery was much faster because the surgeon did a plasma injection before sewing everything up. I achieved full ROM in a matter of weeks and total recovery within 6 months.

I am now almost three years post op and totally pain free with full ROM and strength.

 

[Maximus]

Looking4Ward, Please don’t be offended or feel obligated to answer but May I ask your age?

 

[Aerides]

Looking4Ward, Please don’t be offended or feel obligated to answer but May I ask your age?

In case he doesn't see this question, you can figure it out from his signature line.

 

[Ian S]

I had that surgery 2 years ago. I was in a lot of pain though and the concern was it was going to get worse as I was pretty active riding motorcycles etc. The recovery took about a year overall and the first 6 months was PT 3 days a week. From time to time I still have a little pain. For example I no longer sleep on that side.

I think I would keep an eye one it and get a second opinion. And I wouldn't do it before its time. Would I do it again? Yes as it was impacting my activity. Do I want to go through it again? Nope!

In my late 60's, I had both shoulders with full tears (about a year apart) and like you I was in significant pain and limited motion. Shots and PT were ordered first but didn't work so I went with the surgery. The surgery itself wasn't too bad but having the arm in a sling for six weeks and the subsequent PT made for a grueling few months. However, each time, I was mostly back to normal within six months or so and now I have good range of motion and no pain. If it hadn't been for the pain, I might have balked at the surgery because the recovery is so slow especially when we're older. If you do go for the surgery, investigate and go with the best orthopedic surgeon you can find. Be selective about the PT as well. I was lucky I already knew a great PT guy who had his own small practice. It takes considerable skill to help you get back your range of motion and my PT guy knew his stuff - that part of the therapy wasn't delegated to a young newbie, he did it himself.