Rotor Cuff probibility/outcome advice

[FF228]

I have a complete or full tear or rotor cuff. I still Retain full range of motion. MD says muscles are in very good condition and have compensated. I am 47, he has said that he does not want to scare me into surgery. He said the risk at this point is any further progression will leave me in a position where surgery can no longer repair the problem.

This would leave me with considerable lose of function. Are there any probabilities, statistics, odds, hell educated guesses as to how many people out of 100 will make it through life in my current state vs this getting worse and permanent loss of function.

If hard data does not exist, they observational estimates are still better then my guess. My MD say there are too many variables, I know there are and as my MD this question puts him in a no win position.

I need to know from a third party, this decision has significant financial/lifestyle implications for my family. I need to make the best decision/guess I can make

Please help. Thank You

[8654415829]

I had rotor cuff surgery in nov and 6 months later still dont have range of motion dr said i can go back to work but can even comb my hair i drive semi truck and i know i wont pass my dot. Physical what can i do

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, actually the rotator cuff comprises of four tendons/ muscles and a few ligaments each with a different function though these and some additional muscles can partially compensate for a few actions. Complete tears would mostly require surgery; though it may be inappropriate to comment without knowing the severity of the injury, the muscle(s) involved and the amount of compensation. What your doctor probably implies is that we may be left with few options with any injury of the compensating muscle in the future. However since the decision has serious implications in your life, I would suggest seeking a second opinion from another orthopedician who could probably perform a physical examination and have a look at your tests as well.
Hope this is useful.

Take care!