Rotator cuff tears: Partial, Complete, Retracted..Huh?

The terminology used in describing the shoulder and the rotator cuff can be confusing.
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Rotator Cuff Repair Expert is the educational branch of My Body Protector Welcome to the channel, and I hope you find the videos helpful! Hit that 👍 LIKE👍 button if you enjoy the content so I'll know if it's making a difference. Leave a COMMENT down below with any questions you have about the video or about any other shoulder topics. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE so you'll know when the latest content is posted!

[@highrollaz1000]

I played volleyball for 30 years and last year I suffered from a full shoulder dislocation. Months later. an MRI showed that I had full tears of my rotator cuff, infra, subscap, and teres minor. The surgeon said when he went in, they were all torn with retraction. I'm 5 months into rehab. I'm turning 46 in September. I hope to play ball again in 2-3 more months. Great video. Good info.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

@highrollaz1000, Wow that was quite a tear! Good luck in your recovery and thanks for your comment. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email me at [e-mail] and put yes in the subject line and we will get you set up with a few tip sheets as well!

[@joegutierrez2659]

My shoulder pain started 10 months ago, just suddenly and progressively got worse. Went thru physical therapy for 2 months. Had an MRI at 6 months and I had 2 large full tears. I had surgery after 10 months, and it was very involved due to muscle deterioration. I'm 3 weeks out and still in a lot of pain, but I guess we'll see.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Good Luck Joe! Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@nathanhunt7997]

Hello Sir! How is your shoulder doing? Did you have a retracted tendon?

[@joegutierrez2659]

@nathanhunt7997 , still kind of painful and sore, unfortunately. I had 2 full tears, and the head of my bicep was dislocated.

[@wolfgangguse7889]

Very good clear explanation. Thank you very much.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@georgeguerrero5608]

great job in explaining rotator cuff injury stages...well spoken...

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Thanks George! Are you having surgery? Any other questions?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

pls consider joining our private FB group. facebook.com/groups/409240847744184

[@kevin-xx4te]

A Thalamic stroke in '21, following a ACDF Surgery. It tore all four of my shoulder tendons plus rib, hip, knee and ankle and foot

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

@kevin-xx4te, wow so sorry for injury. Your shoulder, rib, hip, knee, ankle and foot! That is a lot to handle

[@TheVinny337]

Awesome video!! Thanks for sharing!

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Vinny, Thanks for watching! Please consider joining our email newsletter for more information and insights and we will send you 2 Free PDF fact sheets that will help you through your recovery. Send an email to [e-mail] just put "yes" in the subject line and we will get you signed up

[@LOREGUINNESS]

Thanks for sharing, very helpful to hear your experience and knowledge. A+ : ) BSc PT.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Lorenzo, Thanks for your kind words!

[@deltonwatts9726]

Thank you for the explanation.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Glad it was helpful! Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@iyuren]

Very informative! Thank you so much!

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ronaldcoley5153]

I was told I have a complete rotator cuff tear and there is nothing they can do.is that the end of the treatment, the ortho said he can do a ortho surgery and clean it up and that would be all he can do

[@batman-sr2px]

@@ronaldcoley5153 complete rotator cuff tear was all the tendons torn? Would cleaning it up mean an attempt to reattach them?

[@WolfeStreetTravel]

Hi, Dr. Orcutt, I've got a complete right supraspinatus tendon tear at the foot plate with 4.6 cm retraction (visualized by MRI) and am very conflicted about surgery versus no surgery due to risks of repair failures and risks that surgery represents in my situation. The complete tear occurred 5 weeks ago (after a symptomatic partial tear 10 weeks before that, for which I received a cortisone shot in my bursa guided by ultrasound). 1.5 years prior to this, I was hit by Parsonage Turners, which transformed into an ongoing autoimmune attack on my brachial plexus - which led to atrophy of my deltoids, biceps, and supraspinatus - likely contributing to the tears. A 3-month daily dose of prednisone, which I'm slowly tapering off for an additional 3.5 months, suppressed the autoimmune activity and my nerves are remapping and muscles regrowing. While I was on prednisone, I was strength training to optimize the regrowth process when the first, partial tear was felt. 1. In addition to the retraction, the supraspinatus tear is close to the muscle interface, leaving very little tendon attached. 2. My supraspinatus muscle already is significantly atrophied from the Parsonage Turners, creating a visible space between the muscle and the fosa. The atrophy that has been ongoing for 21 monthsj. 3. If I pursue surgery, there is a risk that a cytokine storm or infection during surgery could restart the autoimmune attacks on my nerves. 4 If I pursue surgery, I will need general anesthesia because a nerve block presents a risk to my brachial plexus due to the Parsonage Turners / recently suppressed autoimmune attacks. I have surgery scheduled, but am very concerned that the repair will fail due to the first two issues above. Surgery also presents other risks due to the last two issues above. I have good range of motion: Forward Flexion: 180 degrees (L); 180 degrees (R) Extension: 45 degrees (L); 45 degrees (R) External Rotation: 90 degrees (L); 80 degrees (R) Internal Rotation: T4 (R) I experience no pain at night and little pain while going about life, although I do sometimes get pangs moving my arm anteriorly and am in some mild discomfort a lot of the time. Between now and my surgery date 8 weeks from now, I am continuing a systematic physiotherapy / strength training program using bands and light dumbbells to maintain my range of motion and increase my infraspinatus and deltoid strength, particularly my anterior deltoid. If I continue to be ~pain free and with good range of motion leading up to my surgery, I may cancel this and then sustain the physiotherapy and strength training program perpetually to stave off increased pain or loss of motion for as long as possible. When this fails to keep me pain free, I would fall back to superior capsular reconstruction to address this, while acknowledging that I will not have the same strength - and that I will no longer have a supraspinatus. What are your views of the no-surgery-now approach versus having surgery now before my supraspinatus is no longer salvageable? Thanks.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Wow that is a lot! That is a very tough decision. That is a long decision with your surgeon and maybe more than one opinion. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email me at [e-mail] and put yes in the subject line and we will get you set up with a few tip sheets as well!

[@livinglife8333]

I’ve had dominant shoulder pain for 4 years, only ever had X-rays. Joint injections multiple times and some rehab. It just never got better and has become a constant toothache pain. I have lost range of motion and it’s painful to work over my head, pick up anything more than 20 pounds etc. Went to ortho and one mri later was told I had a partial tear and bicep tendonitis. It makes doing many things painful, it’s a very frustrating injury so I have opted to have it repaired.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Hi LL, thanks for the comment. Some times the pain and restrictions just get to annoying deal with and the decision for surgery is made. Good luck and let us know how you are doing in your recovery. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@davidvickers3797]

Very interesting..I detached my supraspinatus completely with a 2.5cm retraction when I was bench pressing,taken to ER by Ambulance as the paramedics thought it may be broken,I was seen by a consultant who did no tests for a rotator cuff tear,and even tho I could hardly lift my arm sideways and was in extreme pain,I had 20mg morphine By the paramedics. I was told,swollen tendon,catching on the bursa given paracetamol and sent home,they did a x-ray which revealed proximal migration of the humerus..but still discharged me. After going to ER again 3 days later,no sleep and trying to work as a engineer..I was again told,you have seen the x-ray and its fine!!!! After 5 visits and 2 requests for a MRI,2months later I got the diagnosis...total detachment of the supraspinatus with 2.5 retraction. I was put on a list for surgery,after 9 months,working everyday,getting hooked on oral morphine and valium to help me sleep..I had the first operation to reattach the tendon..lol. This was obviously unsuccessful and a subacromial balloon was inserted,3 days in hospital as I caught aspiration pneumonia under the anesthetic. This ballon burst and I had another op to replace it..this moved jammed my arm,when I tried to move it my bicep tendon ruptured..then my shoulder dislocated in the night. 3rd op to remove balloon and referred to a specialist surgeon. He told me my infraspinatus was also badly torn and gave me a subscapular nerve block to stop the pain. I saw the surgeon again yesterday where he referred me to another specialist to see if I'm a candidate for a partial capsular reconstruction if my infraspinatus is repairable. Humeral head is constantly grinding on my acromion causing severe pain even with a nerve block. I have a full tear in my right supraspinatus,this has been left for two years and is now causing severe neck pain. Been off work for 6 months,company sick pay stopped,now claiming government benefits. Outstanding service from the UK NHS. Hope nobody else goes through this🤯😫😫

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Oh my what a horrible series of events. I'm sure it was super frustrating going from being strong and active to what you have now. It sounds like you might be a good candidate for the superior capsular reconstruction. Good luck and let us know how you are doing!

[@robertacass455]

I am going through this now I hope it doesn't take that long. Can't sleep very long at night.

[@batman-sr2px]

what did you need for govt benefits?

[@davidvickers3797]

@@batman-sr2px I'm just getting basic esa mate..£155 fortnightly and 240 pip monthly..rubbish..hopefully esa will go up.

[@heatherleslie9738]

Hi , this sounds like my story ….. no one detected it was a tear …. After falling halfway down a pit .

[@getalife7130]

I have full thicknesses irreparable tears in ny supraspinatus and infraspinatus. I had an operation back in 2018 to insert a patch graft to help stabilise the joint, but this operation left me with very limited shoulder movement, i have zero external rotation. My shoulder function was a lot better before the operation.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

@getalife, so sorry your shoulder isn’t better, perhaps you could go see a shoulder surgeon now and discuss your options. A reverse May be an option. Good luck and let us know how you are doing

[@getalife7130]

@rotatorcuffexpert I'm on the waiting list for a bigger operation, transferring the lattisimus dorsi muscle from my back into the shoulder, but I haven't heard from the surgeon for a long time now, I don't think I'll go ahead with this operation anyway. The surgeon did say that I'd likely need a shoulder replacement within 10 years of the first operation. I've now got issues with the left shoulder, I think I've got a tear in that, been through physio, injection etc, now waiting for an appointment with orthopaedics.

[@freddylawson5211]

I just got my results back from an MRI and I have complet tears of the suprespinatus and the infraspinatus with retraction of both at 3.0 cm. I also have several tears in the bicep groove and the tendon has small tears as well. I had an accident on an ATV and also tore my hamstring on my right leg. Not a good time but I see my surgeon tomorrow to plan out the surgery

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Oh No! so sorry for your injury @freddylawson5211. I hope you have a good experience with your doc. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email me at [e-mail] and put yes in the subject line and we will get you set up with a few tip sheets as well!

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

BTW I love Stevie Ray and Texas Flood!

[@biz4968]

Very good video. Per Dr. I have "complete tear" of supraspinatus & complete infraspinatus and dislocated bicep tendon. It has been almost a month and I am in sharp, stabbing pain with most movement (oddly, not all). I bought a book on how to heal without surgery (hang from a bar) but I'm starting to think maybe I'm going to need surgery. Is waiting this long harming my recovery?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Biz, The only concern with a large complete tear is that it can scar in making it difficult or impossible to repair if left in a "retracted" position for too long. Make sure you check with your surgeon to have a conversation on how best to proceed. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@sharoncheatle945]

Hey Doc, can you also talk about fatty infiltration along with full thickness tears that are retracted?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Hi Sharon! Yes I can. I recently recorded a video on that very subject. I will be out in the next few weeks. Please subscribe to the channel and please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@Tlaloc1602]

I am 56 years old. I injured my left shoulder bench pressing about 15 weeks ago. I felt a pull on the side of my arm followed by pain. I completed my workout with pain but I knew that was it for a while. The pain has remained constant. I have good rotation but pain with some movements. Mostly external rotation. Sleeping can be troublesome at times. I can do all shoulder movements and activities with pain. Bringing the bed covers over from left to right when in bed is my goto check for pain improvement. The pain has not improved one bit for this movement. Dr. recommended rest followed by physical therapy. Rest and PT did not improve my level of pain. I do my prescribed PT exercises regularly and ice daily with no noticeable improvement. They tell you in PT to only do the movement if you feel no pain. If I followed that advice I would do no external rotation movements. I try not to take meds because I want to feel for improvement but I do on bad days. I was finally referred to the orthopedist who believes I have a partial tear because I have some strength. An MRI is scheduled later this week. I want to get back to weight lifting as I see my gains diminishing. Anyhoot, I hope this helps inform fellow sufferers. I will post the MRI outcome when I get the results.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Marco, definitely seems like an MRI is the next step. Good luck and let us know how you are doing. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email me at [e-mail] and put yes in the subject line and we will get you set up with a few tip sheets as well!

[@tdot415]

Hi, I've been having neck, shoulder and back pain for the past year and a half mostly on the right side of my body. sometimes I have pain shooting through my hand, and when I lie on my side, the pain becomes unbearable. The muscles surrounding my right shoulder blade hurt pretty bad. Also, I feel like all of my other body parts are getting a lot more sore quicker like my hip, and my left foot, is this common for back injuries? Any ideas on what it might be? Im scheduling an appointment with a an orthopedic doctor very soon but I just wanted some info to prepare for what I might be in for. Thank you so much for the video

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Wow, that sounds like a lot of pain coming from multiple locations. It is hard to tell if there are multiple problems or a systemic (internal body) problem. Definitely go see a good ortho. They will be able to help you sort it out and at the very least prioritize your problems to help figure out a solution. Good Luck!

[@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar]

Re your comments on the retracted tear, iMO it's impossible to get a valid sample on the matter. You guys naturally see everyone with pain and other issues; such is your sample. But I believe there're many out there (like myself) who constantly exercise the area, have virtually no daily issues, and never see a surgeon at all (I opted for an MRi only because, as an MRI tech, I get them free). Not to say I won't have issues down the line, but something to consider...

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

QM, I agree that there are a lot of people out there that have asymptomatic rotator cuff tears. It has been proven when you look at cadavers. Many of the cadavers have rotator cuff tears and had no medical history of pain. I am suggesting that a rotator cuff tear if full thickness will not heal. That doesn't mean that the rest of the non-torn tendons of the rotator cuff couldnt compensate for the tore, it just doesn't happen in most people. Glad you are doing well. I don't care what the MRI says if the patient is doing well!

[@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar]

@@rotatorcuffexpert Thanks for your response. Your channel and information are appreciated.

[@serenaholland1546]

Hi, I just need your opinion on the results on my right shoulder mri results. rotator cuff tendinopathy including a low grade partial thickness interstitial tear of infraspinatus at its myotendinous junction extending 2cm medially. Would I possibly need to have surgery to prevent the tear from getting bigger or to keep it to where it can’t be repaired later on? also would a sling be advisable. This is freshly new happened on Sept 5 from being tboned. I would love your opinion on this and look forward to hearing back from you

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Serena, Unfortunately an MRI is only part of the picture. A lot has to do with your symptoms and your physical exam. So sorry for your accident and I hope you get to see an ortho soon to get this all sorted out.

[@emmapritchett6898]

I have a low to intermediate grade partial tear of the articular surface of my supraspinatus, I also have an inferior labral tear same shoulder… am an overhead athlete and am unsure how to proceed. Have completed one month of PT and have seen a little bit of progress but still not great, also have done an injection a month ago that has also somewhat eased the pain.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Emma, Sounds like you are on the right track. In my patients who have low to intermediate tears I will often do an injection and therapy. If that does not improve function enough, then we talk about bigger more invasive options.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Emma, Please consider joining our email newsletter for more information and insights and we will send you 2 Free PDF fact sheets that will help you through your surgery. Send an email to [e-mail] just put "yes" in the subject line and we will get you signed up!

[@superwalou]

Hi Doc, Thank you for all your videos, I love what you do After a fall during surfing 8 months ago, my shoulder started burning and clicking hard in some position, after injections and a lot of PT, I felt better but I still feel constant weakness in my left arm and strong pain after some exercices Scan with injection showed I have a small tear of the distal part of the supraspinatus tendon with irregularities on the deep surface of the tendon, can it explain my symptoms since the pain and the weakness is so strong and the tear seems small ? The tear wasn’t on a previous exam I had 3 years ago for another pain that was way less important. I’m seeing an orthopedic surgeon in 6 weeks Thank You!

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Superwalou, thanks for your comment! Some times if a tear is in a crucial portion of the rotator cuff the pain and weakness can be significant even if the tear is small. Good luck on your appointment with the ortho. Let us know how it goes.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@superwalou]

@@rotatorcuffexpert thank you so much! Just did :)

[@jefffield8241]

I have a full retracted tear,and my surgeon said at some stage I will need a new ball and socket at some stage, He operated and tidied it up so I could use it without pain,how long would you say that it is before I need a new shoulder joint. It’s pain free and I can use my arm reasonably normally,it’s been 3 years now since that op. I use my arm as I’m a builder and hope I can carry on using before I need the op,what sort timescale would you say it would last.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

It is hard to say. If one of my patients is doing reasonably well after a clean up surgery there is no hurry in doing anything else. Perhaps you will be able hold out until you retire?

[@c.518]

Hi. Can you define what "tendonosis involving supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons."??? Ortho didnt seem to look at mri. Because he said its "frozen shoulder. Nothing torn".

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Tendonosis is a term used for some degeneration within the tendon, but no tear. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email me at [e-mail] and put yes in the subject line and we will get you set up with a few tip sheets as well!

[@suzanneadamson1306]

I have a

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Well I cannot give specific medical advice, these videos are for information only. What we know is that partial thickness tears of less than 50% usually are fairly stable and greater than 50% usually go on to progress. I think in most situations that most surgeons would recommend PT prior to proceeding with surgery. Hope this helps and good luck!

[@batman-sr2px]

anything else it causes pain in? can you do weights in gym? Did your mri report says the thickness?

[@tamarawalther4524]

I fell. Xrays showed that I separated my shoulder. MRI showed that I have a severe rotator cuff tear. It also showed that I have and old injury that I was not aware of. That is, (this is how it was explained to me) that 3 of the 5 muscles have torn completely away from the other 2 muscles and they have "dried up." How serious is this and do you think I will need surgery soon?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Sounds really serious. From what you describe it sounds like you will need surgery. Please keep us updated on your story. Good luck and Godspeed

[@tamarawalther4524]

@@rotatorcuffexpert Hi, you asked me to update you on my shoulder issue. I saw the surgeon yesterday. She said I have a very large rotator cuff tear. 2 of the tendons are completely detached and she's almost positive the 3rd one is also. The MRI didn't show that one clearly. My surgery is Friday the 11th.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Good luck to you! I hope our videos helped you better understand what is going on and what to expect. Having shoulder surgery is hard, but you will get through it!

[@tdot415]

@@tamarawalther4524 Good luck! I have been having shoulder and neck issues this past year as well, I hope you'll update us again? :)

[@italiangirl2440]

@@tamarawalther4524 sounds like the same thing I'm going through right now. MRI showed super spinatus infraspinatus and bicep full thickness tear severely retracted from the shoulder bone. My surgeon says he's concerned the tendons will not reach the shoulder to be attached. What kind of surgeon did you have and how did your surgery go?

[@jeffgosney4344]

I had 4 total tears in Rotator Cuff per MRI in December. Retracted biceps attempted reattach, but ripped out during 1st surgery. February, Second biceps surgery was successful x4 days, then it ripped out...now waiting for surgeon to decide what he plans to do. The waiting is horrible!

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Jeff, So sorry for your biceps failure. That is tough. Hard to know what to do next. Please keep us up to date on what is next for you.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Please consider joining our email newsletter for more information and insights and we will send you 2 Free PDF fact sheets that will help you through your recovery. Send an email to [e-mail] just put "yes" in the subject line and we will get you signed up!

[@andreahickman]

Thank you for the info! I came across this video. I fell directly on my right shoulder 10 days ago. It’s been very painful and I’m unable to lift my arm or lift anything. I have little to no strength in my arm. I can’t rotate it at all. It’s quite painful. I went to the ER and the doctor said I probably tore my rotator cuff. I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor next week. X-rays only showed moderate arthritis. It’s so weird not having much strength in my arm.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Andrea, so sorry for your injury. If the rotator cuff is torn then there can be significant decrease in strength. Good luck and let us know how the visit goes. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@andreahickman]

@@rotatorcuffexpert okay will do. Thanks so much!

[@bwcsi13]

Hi. I'm a fairly active 38 year old with an autoimmune disorder. After an injury a recent MRI shows a diffuse high-grade partial tear of the supraspinatus with a superimposed 4-5 mm full-thickness tear mid fibers at the insertion retracted 3mm. There are also moderate grade tears in the infraspinatus. Exercising on my own has allowed me to get most of my ROM back. Abduction is still a problem. Do you think this would progress to cause a loss of the ROM I have recovered? What are my options? I'm trying to avoid surgery as much as possible because I use my shoulder frequently at work and also would like to avoid autoimmune flare ups and extended downtime. Thanks!

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

BWCSI13, that is a tough question. Anytime a portion of the rotator cuff is full thicknesss torn we worry about propagation of the tear. It is best to get to an ortho quickly to discuss the pros and cons of your options. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@dannyregan9131]

enjoyed your video but its been a month since my last surgery and im still in a lot of pain it does not seem to want to heal. surgeon says no physio and an xray in about a week. signs of ostioporosis

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

If you had a big tear it takes awhile. I hope you feel better soon.

[@dannyregan9131]

i had my fall in oct 2020 after four hours of operation i was in pain when i woke up now its june 2021 my arm and shoulder is still very sore in physio once a week does not seem to help surgeon said my bone looked old ostiporosis will it ever heel

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

It may be time for another MRI and perhaps another opinion. Good luck, I hope you feel better soon

[@Matty72UK]

Hi, I just had an AC joint decompression and a 1cm supraspinatus tear repair with swivelocks and fibrewire. The surgeon wrote 5cm deltoid split on the the post op notes. Do you know what that means? And do you think the prognosis for a 1cm tear is good? Not sure if he meant a partial or through tear though. Thank you in advance. M

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Hey Matty, The 5 cm deltoid split usually is referring to the approach to the shoulder for a "mini-open" rotator cuff tear. It does not describe the size of the tear itself. Hope this helps.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@crayshaunhenderson1265]

I hurted my shoulder in the weight room and I didn't know I did until I went to a chiropractor he sent me to get an mri and it said partial thicknss tear and he stick me 3 times with a cortisone shot and it made my shoulder feel much better but I still need to strengthen the muscles around my should so can I go back into the weight room and start LIFTING weights again but slowly until it's strong again

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Good Luck Crayshaun! Yes go slowly, it might be a good idea to have an ortho doc see you.

[@crayshaunhenderson1265]

@@rotatorcuffexpert this happen in 2013 it's 2022 i wonder if i can still bench press but i feel it when i bench press so i will just do triceps and biceps

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

I'd get an opinion from an ortho, but going slow is never a bad idea!

[@crayshaunhenderson1265]

@@rotatorcuffexpert sounds good to me i don't mind going slow but being safe is also a way of life, but this happen in 2013 but it's 2022 i tried to start lifting weights but it feels funny so i will stay with my resistant band

[@maryhampton3079]

I discovered I have a full tear with retraction (2 cm). One doctor says he'd use a skin allograft and not try to reattach tendon, a different doctor says he thinks he can repair the retracted tendon as it is a moderate 2 cm distance. I asked him if we could do both the repair and the graft. I am an active senior. Also have you heard of bone vents to leak bone marrow stem cells to assist healing?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Hi Mary! Good questions. Sometimes surgeons can repair the tendon and if it is thinned then they may put a graft on top of it. Yes "bone vents" are a common technique to stimulate healing. Also look up "crimson duvet" same concept. Good luck with your surgery and recovery. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@maryhampton3079]

@@rotatorcuffexpert Thank you so much for responding so promptly. I'm also thinking of adding PRP during and/or post surgery to help healing

[@maryhampton3079]

@@rotatorcuffexpert Okay are crimson duvet, bone marrow stimulation and bone vents the same procedure or is there some differentiation. I'm still searching for the answer. The goal appears to be the same, but I'm not clear of how achieved aside from small holes in bone to allow marrow to 'leak'

[@maryhampton3079]

finally if the rotator cuff is not reparable, is it a viable technique to just do the tissue graft to help keep the humerus from rising up in the socket?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Mary, in general they are all the same idea and very similar procedures.

[@jennbriscoe2622]

Don't say that can't happen because it can. Internal decapitation can happen. You need account for EDS and other connective tissue disorders .🦓 * I've 3 torn ligaments in my right shoulder. Two of them are full thickness tears. One is damn close. My bicep is intact. I've Lupus, EDS and degenerative disc disease. 🎉 Having a party!!! Surgery next month 🎉🎉🎉

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

@jennbriscoe2622, EDS is a totally different ball game. Shoulder disorders in combination with connective tissue disorders definitely need to be thought of differently. Thanks for your comment.

[@sunnyyadav3107]

Sir I have SLAP3 tear 11 to 1 clock....can I get my actual strength after the surgery?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Hey Sunny, It depends on many factors. Make sure you have a surgeon that does a lot of shoulder work and then follow their restrictions. Dont rush your recovery. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!

[@MrTimjwilson]

Delaminated supraspinatus tendon?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Tim@. I will do a video on delamination, Great idea. Please consider joining our FB group or join our newsletter. Just email us at [e-mail] and put "yes" in the subject line. We will get you signed up and also give you a couple tip sheets!.

[@ninjawarriorassassin9871]

What does complete disruption of the Supra and Infra tendons mean?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

It means that 2 of the 4 rotator cuff tendons are completely torn. A BIG tear, unfortunately. Is that what you have?

[@ninjawarriorassassin9871]

@@rotatorcuffexpert Yes and 4 other issues from a flu vaccine last year. I am so disappointed 😞😔. Extensive maceration tearing of the superior Glenoid labrum. Tendonosis of the subscapularis tendon with broad based partial thickness deep surface tearing. Full thickness chondral loss of humeral head superiorly with grade 2 chondromalacia throughout the remainder of the joint. I think I'm screwed...

[@YY-pp4fn]

Hello! Did you have surgery?

[@ninjawarriorassassin9871]

@YY-pp4fn Not yet,I'm trying to put it off until I'm 70 which is in 2 years 2 months. I have received steroid injections but have not had one in a year now. It did help me to function better. I am about need one. 😌

[@alaitain]

Mine is snapped in half...

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Alatain, so sorry to hear about your tear. Are you going to have it fixed?

[@justinhon7542]

Can I send u MRI to look at ?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Hi Justin, sorry this is for general information, not specific medical advise.

[@justinhon7542]

I just got results back from MRI , they stated complete rupture of the tendon with retraction, how bad is that?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Justin,that doesnt sound very good. Please get in touch with a experienced shoulder surgeon and see what your options are. Good luck and let us know how you are doing in your recovery. Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email me at [e-mail] and put yes in the subject line and we will get you set up with a few tip sheets as well!

[@heaven-n-hell9764]

What is a near complete supraspinatus tear?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

H&H, It means that that specific tendon is torn all most all the way through. The literature says that those type of tears have a high chance of getting worse. Thanks for commenting. Good to hear from you!

[@heaven-n-hell9764]

@Rotator Cuff Repair Expert Thank you for your reply. Had surgery March 24th. There's a lot on the postoperative report that I don't understand but hoping the ortho will go into detail when I go to my followup visit in a little over a week. Oh! Also I wish I would have known about the unbearable itching in my underarm after surgery. Thank you for all your help!

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Did they shave your arm pit?

[@heaven-n-hell9764]

@Rotator Cuff Repair Expert no they did not. I don't think there was any need to do that? Even my forearm gets very itchy. Even the incisions feel itchy but those may be normal just not scratching those.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Sometimes the arm pit is shaved and that is very itchy. Maybe it is the type of prep they used to clean your arm. Some of those can irritate the skin.

[@DavidSmith-gj2dm]

I’ve a retracted tear , it’s 6 weeks , still waiting for surgery , what’s the upper limit for waiting , I’m an active 61 year old , I can still go to the gym and work around the injury , dead lifting with out pain up to 130 kg x 5 just to try to get a ripple effect of growth to prevent atrophy . Is this correct ?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Typically, I like to get to the retracted tears as soon as possible. I hope you get surgery soon. Often you can do exercises that are not overhead with a torn rotator cuff.

[@DavidSmith-gj2dm]

@@rotatorcuffexpert thanks , what’s the upper limit for a good outcome?

[@YY-pp4fn]

​@@DavidSmith-gj2dmHello! What about your surgery?

[@melvamoreno9118]

How long can I wait to have surgery on a small full thickness tear? I started having pain in November 2020 and got diagnosed feb 2021.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

A lot of it depends on how small, and how symptomatic. Discuss this with your surgeon. In general most shoulder surgeons like to repair full thickness tears soon after they become symptomatic. Hope this helps and good luck!

[@italiangirl2440]

I recommend that you have surgery sooner than later. I went and got an MRI and I've got three tendons that are full thickness tears and severely retracted from the shoulder. My surgeon is concerned that I waited too long and he will have difficulty reattaching those tendons. Take my advice and get it done now

[@christopheranuligo1389]

Thank you, but You didn't show any Image to buttress ur explanation

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Hey Chris, thanks for the comment. I will try to better show images as we go forward.

[@robertacass455]

I'm 63 and very active. I slipped on water and landed on my elbow. Had an MRI and waiting on a doctor to read MRI. I got a copy and here is what I did. Partial tear involving the supraspinatus tendon at the musculotendinous junction. Complete thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon at the insertion with an 8.2mm tendinous gap. Complete thickness tear of the infraspinatus tendon at the insertion with no appreciable retraction. Complete thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon. Mixed intrasubstance signal and thickening of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subcapularis tendons. Tear involving the trees minor tendon also noted A SLAP type tear of the superior glenoid lebrum. Ac joint impingement. There is more. But I am wondering if I need surgery.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Roberta, wow that is a big tear. I dont know your situation, but a tear like that often needs surgery. Good luck and let us know how you are doing

[@robertacass455]

Went to see nurse practitioner in ortho to finally read MRI. They said it is normal for tears in older people. She said it probably needs arthroscopic surgery. Sending me to physical therapy before surgery. Will this help? It is very painful to move. She said I had two tears. MRI shows all four.

[@robertacass455]

I had arthroscopic surgery two weeks ago. I had 4 screws with a big tear on supraspinatus. He cleaned up tears on other 4 complete tears. Yesterday I felt a sharp pain while I was typing. It hurts when I move it very much with a sharp pain. I don't know if I retire it. How long should I wait to call the doctor if pain persists.

[@gavindowling4490]

Sorry for the long comment but I had an mri in December and can’t see a consultant till June, could you explain the following to me please. Indications: Query rotator cuff tear. Procedure: Standard MRI shoulder. Findings: Rotator cuff: Mild heterogeneity of the anterior supraspinatus in keeping with mild tendinosis. Mild anterior infraspinatus tendinosis. Mild superior subscapularis tendinosis. The rest of the rotator cuff tendons are normal. Biceps tendon: Small amount of fluid in the biceps tendon sheath suggesting mild tenosynovitis. Labrum: A type 2 SLAP tear is seen in the base of the superior labrum. This extends into a suspected tear in the base of the posterior labrum. Capsule: Normal. Bone and cartilage: Normal. AC ioint: Type 1 acromion. Moderate degenerative changes seen in the acromioclavicular joint with oedema on both sides of the joint. Capsular thickening and oedema is noted. This could be related to previous trauma. Fluid: Normal. Impressions: Near full-thickness type 2 SLAP tear of the superior labrum with likely extension into a full-thickness tear in the base of the posterior labrum. This could be further assessed with MR arthrography, if clinically indicated. Moderate AC joint degenerative change with oedema on both sides of the joint with capsular thickening and oedema. This could be related to previous trauma.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Gavin, Unfortunately an MRI has to have an exam to really know what is important and what is not. I'm sorry I can't be more helpfull. The only other way would to have a formal telehealth visit. June is a long time away!

[@netional5154]

Thanks for explaining that a full thickness tear does not mean it's detached because the width of the tear also matters. That part is often left out in explanations.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Yes @netional5154, it can be very confusing for sure. Are you having shoulder surgery? Please consider joining our newsletter. Just email me at [e-mail] and put yes in the subject line and we will get you set up with a few tip sheets as well!

[@besmart2350]

Does 30 - 40% supraspinatus tear require surgery? Can it regenerate itself if left without a surgery? Are there any patients of a young age who had it grow back on its own? Or it never grows back because it’s impossible from the anatomy and biology standpoint and with special exercises we only make what is still attached to the bone stronger and the torn part remains torn forever?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Besmart, I think that is an excellent question that we don't really have a great answer. Certainly a 30% tear can go on to heal, however it is unclear if it truly goes back to "normal". Most tears around the body heal with scar tissue improving their tensile strength with this scar tissue. That being said the tissue that is laid down is not normal tendon so it would seem to reason that it does not function exactly like a normal tendon. Even if we cannot detect the difference on physical exam. Hope this helps

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Please consider joining our email newsletter for more information and insights and we will send you 2 Free PDF fact sheets that will help you through your surgery. Send an email to [e-mail] just put "yes" in the subject line and we will get you signed up!

[@mikemorrison7774]

Ok, but why don't you talk about the CAUSE of the tear and not just the current type of tear?? I had a partial exterior supraspinatus tear diagnosed with mri that was caused by a significant hooked bone spur on the acromion. I by-the book did pt for six months and all it did was progress to a full thickness nearly full width massive tear! WHY not better diagnose these causes and avoid a patient suffer through a lot of unnecesary pain, and end up with surgery on a massive tear that was GOING to happen because the underlying cause?

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Hey Mike Thx for the comment. If someone has a partial thickness tear with an acromial spur and symptoms I would not wait to perform surgery …take off the spur and fix the tear before it got to a big full thickness tear

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Mike, if someone has a partial thickness tear and a large spur and had symptoms I would not wait . I’m my opinion you do surgery then, remove the spur and fix the tear BEFORE it gets any bigger.

[@toadranger50]

Good video but injections are never an option in my book.

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Understandable, we all need to make the wisest choices we can with the information we have. Good luck in your recovery

[@ninjawarriorassassin9871]

I'm facing major surgery on my shoulder soon because of a flu vaccine last year. Administered Incorrectly. Never again and I am left handed😭😭

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Im so sorry

[@ninjawarriorassassin9871]

@@jaimeromero8360 I didn't have surgery yet. It started at the exact same time as the flu vaccine I had. You can't prove it. As of this day I am needing a total reverse shoulder replacement 😩. The injections are helping for now. I am trying to hang in there as long as possible because I'm only 65 years old granny. My mom lived to 93 sooooo. Good luck. There is a fund set up to make claims. Google SIRVA.

[@ninjawarriorassassin9871]

P.S Dr's, lie too

[@krupadrum]

🤡😆😂🤣

[@rotatorcuffexpert]

Thanks, I think!?