Rotator cuff tear

[naylor]

Hello,

I am new to this forum. Last summer I noticed pain in my left shoulder after swimming butterfly. I eased off my swimming workouts for awhile after my shoulder continued to bother me. My doctor diagnosed me with shoulder impingement and sent me to physical therapy, which seemed to help. However, when I got back to swimming again, the shoulder pain came back.

Yesterday, I got the results of an MRI, which indicated that I have a 7mm full thickness tear in the anterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon (one of the tendons making up the rotator cuff). My doctor recommended that I have arthroscopic surgery if I want get back to competitive swimming (he said it was optional). I am scheduled to see a very well regarded orthopaedic surgeon in ten days.

I have read some of the shoulder injury related posts and greatly appreciated the insight. For anyone who has had the surgery or considered it, what are some questions that I might ask the surgeon?

From what I have read, I understand that an overuse injury to the supraspinatus tendon is fairly common for swimmers.

Any feedback would be great.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Burt Mulford

[Xenadiva]

Hi,

My mom had surgery on her rotator cuff about two years ago by the doctor mentioned in the links below, Dr. Louis F. Mcintyre. He uses a new technology/ technique called ultrasonic suture welding. You might want to inqure about this with your doctor. This technique is suppose to prevent abrasion from the sutures. Below there is a link to a site that shows video of the surgery and a link to a pdf document in html format.

Hope this helps.

http://www.axya.com/procedure.php

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:3hknUND7wsoJ:www.westchesterorthope dics.com/files/Rotator%2520Cuff%2520Repair%2520with%2520Ultrasoni c%2520Suture%2520Welding%2520--%2520Full%2520Text.pdf+Louis+F.+Mcintyre,+MD+&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2&client=firefox-a

[sanwin]

Naylor, I have had a shoulder scope on each shoulder for impingement, My first shoulder I let it go about 5 years. Because I waited so long it was a long rehab, I wasn't swimming comfortablely til 4 months later. I just had a scope 3 weeks ago with tendon repair and bone cut, it has been easier I only waited 7 months. I am lucky I have a GREAT MD who is Sport Surg, having done many swimmers he is know for his shoulder repairs. He works with PT that get you back to your activty as soon as possible. Talk open with your surg, be trueful about your hope for repair. LISTEN to all their orders, do your PT. I am looking forward to getting in the pool in 2 weeks with a kick board. Goodluck.

[A.K.]

sanwin,

Could you ask your Orthopedic if he has any knowledge of a quality counterpart in the South Hampton Roads area of Virginia(Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake etc.)?

I had shoulder issues that impacted my HS and College swimming and gave it rest (20 Years) instead of surgery. Since starting swimming again, the shoulders have started acting up again.

I was referred to a group by my primary and their credentials looked great, however a Doctor I swim with gave them a negative nod when I asked him about them. He had mentioned they find things wrong and will do more procedures than needed... whew, that was a close one.



Originally posted by sanwin
Naylor, I have had a shoulder scope on each shoulder for impingement, My first shoulder I let it go about 5 years. Because I waited so long it was a long rehab, I wasn't swimming comfortablely til 4 months later. I just had a scope 3 weeks ago with tendon repair and bone cut, it has been easier I only waited 7 months. I am lucky I have a GREAT MD who is Sport Surg, having done many swimmers he is know for his shoulder repairs. He works with PT that get you back to your activty as soon as possible. Talk open with your surg, be trueful about your hope for repair. LISTEN to all their orders, do your PT. I am looking forward to getting in the pool in 2 weeks with a kick board. Goodluck.