Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgical Repair vs Conservative Treatment

Rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder injury in Surat, affecting many adults especially as they age. As a leading orthopedic surgeon in Surat, Dr. Jayesh Thummar at Patel Orthopedic Hospital specializes in diagnosing and treating various shoulder conditions, from partial tears to complete rotator cuff ruptures requiring shoulder surgery in Surat.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one of these tendons tears, either partially or completely.

Factors Influencing Treatment Decisions

When determining the best approach for rotator cuff tear treatment, several factors must be considered:

Factor	Favors Conservative Treatment	Favors Surgical Repair
Age	Older patients (>65-70)	Younger patients (<65)
Tear Size	Small tears (<1cm)	Large/Massive tears (>3cm)
Duration of Symptoms	Recent onset (<3 months)	Long-standing (>6 months)
Pain Level	Mild to moderate	Severe, affecting sleep
Functional Impairment	Minimal limitation	Significant weakness

Conservative Treatment Options

For many patients, especially those with partial tears or smaller full-thickness tears, conservative management may be effective:

• Physical therapy – Strengthening surrounding muscles
• Activity modification – Avoiding painful movements
• Medications – NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
• Corticosteroid injections – To reduce inflammation
• PRP therapy – Platelet-rich plasma injections

When Surgery Becomes Necessary

Surgical intervention may be recommended when:

• Symptoms persist after 3-6 months of conservative treatment
• There is significant weakness or loss of function
• The tear is large or involves a sudden, acute injury
• The patient is young and active with a full-thickness tear

Surgical Options at Patel Orthopedic Hospital

At our state-of-the-art facility in Sarthana, Surat, we offer several surgical approaches:

• Arthroscopic repair – Minimally invasive using small incisions
• Open repair – For larger, more complex tears
• Mini-open repair – Combining arthroscopic and open techniques
• Tendon transfer – For irreparable tears
li>Shoulder replacement – For severe arthritis with rotator cuff tears

Recovery Expectations

Recovery varies significantly between conservative and surgical approaches:

• Conservative treatment – Typically 3-6 months of gradual improvement
• Surgical repair – 4-6 months for basic recovery, up to 1 year for full strength

Why Choose Patel Orthopedic Hospital for Your Shoulder Care?

Under the leadership of Dr. Jayesh Thummar, M.S (Ortho), F.A.R.S, F.I.A.S, our hospital offers:

• Advanced diagnostic imaging including high-resolution ultrasound and MRI
• Evidence-based treatment protocols following AAOS and ASES guidelines
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for faster recovery
• Comprehensive rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs
• Continuity of care from diagnosis through full recovery

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear, use our decision aid calculator above to get personalized guidance. For a comprehensive evaluation, schedule a consultation with our expert team at Patel Orthopedic Hospital.

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator and blog content provide general information and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The results from the calculator are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical diagnosis or treatment plan.