SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY

Q:Does the timing of rotator cuff surgery affect the success of the operation? A:

A number of studies over the last several years have consistently demonstrated that earlier surgical intervention for rotator cuff tears leads to better outcomes. What is defined as “earlier” may vary from study to study, but the general consensus is that surgical delay is never associated with a more favorable result. At the same time, there really is no such thing as emergency rotator cuff surgery.

A research paper published in the current issue of the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery by Gutman et al. examined the impact of surgical timing on the outcomes of rotator cuff repair after acute rotator cuff injury. Patients who underwent surgical repair within 3 weeks of their injury enjoyed the best results in terms of pain relief and function, while those who delayed their surgery beyond just 4 months saw a comparative drop in function.

Many rotator cuff problems are not associated with a specific traumatic event but are rather the accumulation of chronic, degenerative changes and wear and tear. This study specifically analyzed the effect of surgical delay in acute injuries. Nevertheless, it is another piece of compelling medical evidence that patients benefit most from rotator cuff repair surgery that is performed as soon as is reasonably possible.

To learn more about rotator cuff surgery visit 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