If you are experiencing shoulder pain following an accident at work, such as a fall, there is a good chance that you have torn your rotator cuff. Some of the signs of a torn rotator cuff include:
- Sudden shoulder pain
- Radiating arm pain
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Shoulder weakness
- Clicking sound when moving arm
There are many treatment options available for rotator cuff tears, including nonsurgical and surgical. The nonsurgical treatment options are considered to be conservative and generally involve the avoidance of activities that cause the symptoms. It is estimated that nonsurgical treatment helps relieve pain in about half of patients.
Rotator cuff surgery focuses on repairing the tendon back to the ball of the shoulder joint, known as the humeral head, where it is torn. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, there are three commonly used surgical techniques for rotator cuff repair, which are as follows:
Open repair – An incision is made over the shoulder and the deltoid muscle is detached while the surgeon repairs the rotator cuff tear. An arthroscopy is not used.
Mini-open repair – An incision about 3 cm to 5 cm in length is made, but arthroscopy is also used to see the tear and treat the damage to other structures.
All-arthroscopic repair – Multiple small incisions are made and arthroscopic technology is used to visualize and repair the rotator cuff.
When a rotator cuff is caused by a work-related accident, workers compensation often comes into play. If you have been injured at work, you could be eligible for Florida workers compensation benefits. For more information regarding filing a claim and for advice if your rotator cuff workers compensation claim has been denied, contact an experienced Daytona Beach workers compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Johnson & Gilbert, P. A. (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890 today.