Rotator Cuff Tear
Meniscus tears and cartilage defects are problems affecting the shock-absorbing, protective layers of tissue in your joints. If you have a meniscus tear in your knee or damage to the articular cartilage covering the ends of your bones, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Steven Pancio, II, MD can help. At his self-named practice in Olean, NY, Dr. Pancio uses advanced arthroscopic techniques to repair cartilage with tissue grafts. Call his office today for more information, or use the online form to book an appointment.
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What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a painful injury that affects your shoulder. The rotator cuff consists of tendons linking muscles and bones in the joint. It helps keep the top part of your upper arm bone (humerus) secure in its socket (the glenoid).
Your rotator cuff also gives you the ability to rotate your arm in many directions. If you overstretch the tendons and muscles in your rotator cuff, they can tear, causing loss of function in your shoulder as well as pain.
A severe rotator cuff tear can separate the tendon from the bone completely and could lead to shoulder instability.
How do rotator cuff tears occur?
Rotator cuff tears can happen suddenly, for example, if you fall on your arm when it’s outstretched, or you lift something too heavy or awkward. A rotator cuff tear is also a common sports injury and frequently occurs at the same time as a dislocation.
Another way your rotator cuff can tear is as a result of age-related tissue deterioration and overuse. If your job or hobbies require repetitive shoulder movements – like rowing or playing tennis – it can wear the tendon fibers to breaking point.
You could also develop bone spurs in your shoulder from wear and tear that rub painfully on the rotator cuff. This condition is called shoulder impingement.
What symptoms does a rotator cuff injury cause?
An acute rotator cuff tear causes sudden, severe shoulder pain and leaves you unable to use your arm properly.
A tear that’s due to deterioration of the tissues typically causes pain and weakness when you move the affected arm. The pain is likely to remain even at rest. Not all rotator cuff tears cause severe pain, but damage to the rotator cuff always affects your arm movement.
How is a rotator cuff tear treated?
After diagnosing your rotator cuff tear and assessing the degree of damage, Dr. Pancio works with you to create an effective treatment plan, starting with nonsurgical methods. Treatments might include:
- Rest and activity modification.
- Supporting your shoulder in a sling.
- Physical therapies.
- Strengthening exercises.
- Steroid injections.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP).
Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears usually respond well to this type of treatment program. If your shoulder isn’t improving, or the rotator cuff tear is too severe to heal unaided, Dr. Pancio might recommend surgery.
Rotator cuff repair involves reattaching ruptured tendons and repairing torn muscles to restore movement and relieve pain. You might require a tissue graft to repair a badly damaged tendon, typically using a section of your own healthy tendon.
Dr. Pancio performs most rotator cuff repairs using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques that help prevent further tissue damage and promote a speedy recovery.
If you have symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, get the best possible treatment by calling Steven Pancio, II, MD today, or book an appointment online.
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I was hit by car, had a compound fracture with a bone sticking out of my left foot. Broken tibia and fibia?. Screwed plate and bones back together. I am healing fine, next visit 3/26 to remove stiches. I seem to have total function of foot. Still have 2 more weeks of not using leg, but very hopeful.
Very considerate and professional. Did not at any time feel rushed. Offered advice without surgery. Prior surgery by him was extremely successful. Excellent Doctor.
Very professional happy with visit explained issue and treatment process and took time to answer my questions and concerns.
Very smooth experience. Dr. Pancio was very focused, patient, and communicative through every step.
He actually took the time to listen and respond appropriately. He was upfront and honest. Much appreciated.
Very helpful.
No problems. Staff was efficient and courteous. Dr. was professional and honest.
Dr. Pancho is high energy and personable. He didn’t rush through follow up appointments and made sure we understood any procedures and answered all of my questions. I especially liked how he kept my wife informed of my progress during surgery and by phone speaker during appointments. His written material he gave me was personalized for my specific injury and was easy to follow.
My son was seen for a broken arm. Everyone was very kind and patient with him, as this was a new experience for us. I am very pleased with the service we received and for a healed arm.
Dr. Pancio studied my daughters MRI before he came in and talked to us. He examined her knee and told us that her exam confirmed what he had found on the MRI which was missed by the radiologist. He prescribed the appropriate physical therapy and my daughter is on her way to making a full recovery without surgery! If she would have needed surgery, we have full confidence that Dr. Pancio would be great! He is very observant and knowledgeable. He explained everything that is going on with her knee also why and when it would hurt in different situations.
By far the best Orthopedic doctor in the area.
Doc is awesome makes you feel comfortable and cares about your well being.
Phenomenal surgeon – Dr. Pancio made my shoulder normal again!!
Great doctor and surgeon. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Winchester area for their orthopedic care.