SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY

Q: What is superior capsule reconstruction of the shoulder? A:

Superior capsule reconstruction is a novel arthroscopic shoulder procedure that continues to provide pain relief and improved function to patients with the most severe rotator cuff problems without requiring prosthetic shoulder replacement. Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) involves the arthroscopic implantation of a soft tissue graft to substitute for deficient rotator cuff material in patients with rotator cuff tears considered beyond repair.

Dr. Eric Parsons performed the first SCR procedure in Northeast Ohio at Lake West Hospital in 2015 and maintains the largest series of patients to have undergone the procedure in the Cleveland area and one of the largest nationwide. SCR is performed as an outpatient with a low risk of complication and minimal pain reported by patients.

SCR has been a true breakthrough in the management of massive rotator cuff tears that previously may not have been treatable without much more invasive procedures such as tendon transfers or reverse total shoulder replacement. Reverse shoulder replacement is a salvage surgical option that should be utilized only when all other treatment options have failed. Compared to conventional anatomic shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement has a higher complication rate and there is no turning back once it is done. SCR, alternatively, burns no bridges and offers patients a way to avoid shoulder replacement for their complex rotator cuff problems provided they have relatively little arthritis within the shoulder.

To learn more about SCR and other treatment options for treating rotator cuff tears visit www.ohioshouldercenter.com

Eric M. Parsons, M.D.

Ohio Shoulder Center for Arthroscopy Lake Orthopaedic

Associates, Inc. 36060 Euclid Ave., Suite 104 Willoughby 440-942-1050 9500 Mentor Ave., Suite 210

Mentor 440-352-1711 www.ohioshouldercenter.com

Eric M. Parsons, M.D.