Dear friends;
I have been diagnosed with a partially torn rotator cuff, based on an MRI, and physical exam and also an x-ray and ultrasound, and have received a recommendation for surgery, and am seeking a second opinion. Done laproscopically, the surgery would involve inserting a pin to reattach the partially torn cuff to my bone, and then wearing a sling for 6 weeks and nearly full recovery 6 months later. I trace the injury to deterioration of my arm and shoulder from over-exertion on the second run down the Cheat on April 8th, though it was likely a mere final straw. Similar injuries can arise from long-term use / overuse, without any trauma.
Dr. Steven Svoboda made the recommendation. Dr. Bronson Delasobera, an orthopedist who is not a surgeon but is also with Medstar, said that whether to do the surgery was a judgment call.
At this point I would greatly welcome advice about physicians, and treatment options from anyone who has received a similar diagnosis.
To avoid creating too many emails on this, please write to me separately. If folks are interested I can compile recommendations. (Web MD has some information for folks who are worried about their own symptoms and want more information.)
Best regards,
-Randy