Having a torn rotator cuff doesn’t always mean you need surgery. But if you do, choose a doctor who has extensive knowledge and experience in minimally invasive shoulder procedures. Frank Petrigliano, MD, at USC Epstein Family Center for Sports Medicine, Los Angeles, California, specializes in rotator cuff repair surgery, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. His surgical center provides you with the most modern approach to rotator cuff repair so you have lasting results with minimal recovery time.
Your surgery is specific to your injury. If needed, Dr. Petrigliano removes loose fragments of soft tissue, any bursa, or other debris from your shoulder joint. He can shave off part of your shoulder blade or remove bone spurs, to make more room for your rotator cuff tendon. This usually helps minimize irritation.
If you have a tear in your supraspinatus tendon, he sews it up at the same time. He takes the time to ensure everything looks normal and makes any other repairs while he’s in there, so hopefully, you don’t need another surgery in the future.
No. Sometimes you can live a full life with little to no discomfort if you have a minor rotator cuff tear. But you might need surgery if you have:
Often times, yes. An arthroscope is a long tube with a tiny camera at the end. During surgery, Dr. Petrigliano only has to make a few small incisions — one for the scope and some for the instruments he uses. While this usually is the preferred way to perform a rotator cuff surgery, since it provides a clearer view of the surgical field, it isn’t feasible for all.
In some cases, Dr. Petrigliano might have to do an open rotator cuff repair. You’ll know well in advance which type of surgery you’ll have, so you can prepare either way.
You start passive exercises with a physical therapist right away. About a month after surgery, he or she starts on more active exercises. Two to three months after surgery, you begin doing strengthening exercises to regain muscle mass. Most men and women have adequate strength and range of motion about 4-6 months after surgery. You continue to improve from there.
Here is a list of our accepted insurance providers. When in doubt, call your insurance company and see if we are contracted using our Tax ID number (#954505291). If you have any other questions regarding insurance, please contact the office. Thank you!
