Full-thickness RCTs are present in approximately 25 % of individuals in their 60 s and 50 % of individuals in their 80 s; however, the reported incidence is lower for patients < 55 years of age (4-8 %) [ 1, 2 ]. Chronic shoulder and arm pain are good reasons to see your doctor. Best to have a chat with your doctor. I hope I have not waited to long for having this checked, and the only option will be surgery. Studies have reported that, compared to older individuals, younger patients under 55 years have a higher ratio of smaller tears likely to occur from traumatic events.5,6 Patients over 60 have been found to be twice as likely to experience large rotator cuff tears and three times more likely to experience massive rotator cuff tears compared with younger patients.7,8 The prevalence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears may occur in up to 22% of all patients over 65.9 Approximately 25% of patients in their 60 s and 45% of patients in their 70 s suffer from rotator cuff tears.10 Patients 80 years and over have an even higher occurrence rate of 80%.8, Rotator cuff tear management aims to relieve pain, restore movement and improve function of the shoulder. I just received my MRI report which states : supraspinatus tendon is thickened and immediate in signal, with a small 3mm (transverse) x 3mm (AP) full thickness footplate tear. Sorry we are unable to give specific advice over the internet, but I hope this general information is helpful! The tendons may tear from their attachment either after an injury such as a fall or from long-term wear and tear. Children are such a blessing and that time nursing your newborn is such a special and important time. Mild surface irregularity of the supraspinatus in keeping with scuffing-mild partial thickness bursal surface tearing. Either way, I wish you all the best with it (and a safe deployment and return). It is the most common tendon to be damaged in the shoulder. thank you for your considiration and helle from Turkey:-). Ongoing serious pain influencing daily life, sleep etc. Full thickness tears are the complete disruption of the fibers of the supraspinatus muscle, and generally require a more aggressive treatment plan and surgery. 6 months ago a different ortho diagnosed the problem as frozen shoulder and gave me a cortizone shot followed by physio therapy for few weeks. This is possibly caused by microdamage to the tendon that is painful and can weaken it over time. If you have any follow up questions just post them here and I'll get back to them as soon as I'm able. Management of rotator cuff tears - UpToDate The choice of, and response to, rotator cuff tear treatment may vary with age due to differences in etiology and pathogenesis. Does the fact that it mentions there is some retraction mean the tendon is completely torn or is it possible it is only partly torn. Thoughts on surgery? Yes, the surgery will be over very quickly, but it is the rest of the recovery that takes time and effort (and a fair bit of frustration being careful to keep within the movement restrictions). I have continued to have problems with my arm and initially was told that I had a partial tear of my rotator cuff. I'm sorry I can't provide you with specific advice, rather I only provide some general information. Elderly patients; full thickness rotator cuff tear; non-surgical and surgical treatment. Generally speaking, for shoulder pain related to rotator cuff injuries following trauma, often the first strategy is to see whether the pain and other symptoms improve with non-surgical management approaches. Some simple tests during a physical examination should enable your doctor to determine whether your symptoms are likely to improved with a surgical repair of the tendon. I plan on asking the surgeon these questions, but wanted your expert opinion. Stay informed on the latest news and updates from Melbourne Arm Clinic. Supraspinatus tendon tears are the most common tendon tear in the shoulder region. Mild AC arthropathy. If you get a chance, drop by and let us know how you go with your recovery! Although very uncommon, it is possible that the report did contain an error. I am sorry I can't offer specific advice without a proper assessment, but seeing an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist in your local area sounds like a good idea. Good luck! My best wishes go to all of them. pain while . dr mike,a i got an mri shoulder pain, the surgen said it was adhesive capsulitis and with about 6 weeks of pt it would be fine, but the mri report also said there was a tear, the doctor said the report was wrong, needless to say i got a second opinion, the next doctor ordered a new mri and he suggest surgery , i am at a loss, should i get a 3rd opinion just to be sure? Tears that develop slowly due to overuse may also cause pain and arm weakness. However, I think the most important thing you mentioned was falling pregnant. At 55 years of age you still have a lot of living still to do, so don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about the success rates for all of the options available to you, and the likely recovery times involved. What I can say is that for anyone looking to return to unrestricted badminton following a partial thickness supraspinatus tendon tear and shoulder labrum tear (particularly a SLAP lesion) will not be quick or easy. Instead specific movements are required, these shouldn't cause pain while performing the exercise. This article will discuss the nature of tendon injuries in the hand, how to know if, in fact, a tendon has been severed, and some tips on how to avoid such injuries. Your shoulder is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). The tendon that seems to be most commonly affected is the supraspinatus, although it could also easily be either infraspinatus, long head of biceps, subscapularis or teres minor tendons. 11. There are at least three important factors that contribute to supraspinatus tendon tears. 5. As another rule of thumb, if you are getting mixed opinions from non-specialist doctors, it is often a good idea to refer you to a specialist (who will have most likely have seen your condition ever other day and have plenty of experience treating it). 3. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story. The review will exclude studies which include patients with concomitant shoulder conditions such as osteoarthritis, fractures, osteonecrosis, instability, and additional intra-articular pathology or acromion morphology, as these conditions may necessitate intervention/s that may be different from patients who have rotator cuff tear only. 4. Heterogeneity will be assessed statistically using the standard chi-squared and I-squared tests. I'm sorry I can't give you specific advice over the internet about the best option for your situation.