As we have seen previously, the expected strength of the cuff diminishes with age and disuse. Thus, the chances of a durable cuff repair likewise decrease in older and less active shoulders. This is particularly the case if the cuff defect has been long-standing. MRI is not necessary to determine muscle atrophy. Treatment of shoulder weakness caused by cuff failure is determined by the functional needs of the patient and the likelihood of a durable surgical repair.
Cuff repair is a shoulder tightening operation.
It is not a treatment for the shoulder with functional limitation caused by tightness, even if a cuff defect is present. If the shoulder demonstrates stiffness, especially of the posterior capsule, a shoulder mobilization program is instituted before consideration of surgery. This nonoperative program may be the treatment of choice in patients with chronic weakness who are not candidates for surgery or for those in whom achieving a durable repair seems unlikely. This program emphasizes strengthening the muscle groups which provide elevation of the shoulder. Disclaimer Please honor our copyrights and disclaimer.