Advanced orthopedic anatomy discussion (quick and dirty version): rotator cuff is made up of 4 different tendons. Each tendon has a different function. Partial tears of any of the tendons most likely do not require surgery, just physical therapy and maybe a cortisone shot. Complete tears of one or more of the tendons should, in all likelihood be managed surgically as they do NOT repair themselves... EVER! If left unattended long enough, the muscle and tendon will pull away from each other (retraction) and will atrophy thus making the tear un repairable, ever... If the tear is bad enough that it leaves a person unable to move their arm from their side to grab the bars of a bike, I would say it is a good bet that it is a complete tear. A cortisone shot is not even on the recommendation list at that point. No surgery is guaranteed, nothing in life is, and the rehab is extremely long (speaking from experience), but it promises a better outcome than doing nothing... Will know a lot more after the visit with the doc and the mri. Thanks in advance for all prayers offered.

 

Bummer ken, Bad News , Good Luck on the DR. visit Monday.

 

Dead on

 

I had shoulder surgery April 2013 ... Torn rotator, partially torn bicep, partial tear in another ligament and bone spurs removed ... By July I was better than before the surgery. The key is rehabbing ... morning, noon and night. It's hard to believe that one of my most difficult hurdles to achieve was reaching out to open a kitchen cupboard. Now I can do everything, even throw a football .... Good Luck on the diagnosis and God's speed on a full recovery.

P.S.
One of the more difficult tasks was "cleaning up" after getting rid of last nights dinner :>)

 

That sucks Ken and right before the big trip! Thoughts and prayer out to you for a good Drs. Visit and if necessary a speedy recovery.

 

Now that does it...not gonna do anything strenous ever again.....'course I haven't done anything strenuous in years...but you can't be too careful.

 

Checkin in....

 

Hey Putz....sorry to hear that. Hopefully your DR. or an Orthopod will have another option. Keepin' fingers crossed.

 

Thanks guys... never planned on going into the woods yesterday, I had too much crap to do before leaving on Tuesday. Grandson lost a part off his bike and I figured I would go look for it. Guess its his fault... not... **** happens and it was my turn in the *******..

 

I will talk to him Monday... when I see him that's another story... hopefully quickly....