Dr. Benjamin Szerlip, has extensive experience performing minimally-invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at offices located throughout the North Austin, Texas area. He maintains state-of-the-art techniques aimed at restoring range of motion while eliminating painful symptoms.
“I recently was injured in car accident and having sever pain in right shoulder. After months of no relief, I was finally referred to Dr. Szerlip. He listened to me, ran MRI and started treatment. I immediately started to have relief. He and his staff have been so kind and are TRUE PROFESSIONALS. THANK YOU DR. SZERLIP!!!!” — Julie Y.
The rotator cuff consists of shoulder tendons and muscles. These work together to stabilize and move the joint, allowing for various arm motions like lifting and rotating. It helps keep the shoulder stable and enables everyday activities involving arm movement.
Rotator cuff injuries usually happen as a resulf of playing sports, slip-and-fall accidents, or other types of trauma, including car accidents. These injuries can cause partial or complete tears in the tendons or muscles (shoulder tendinopathy).
Other causes of injury include inflammation of the tendons or bursa, small sacs of fluid within the joint, and calcific tendinitis, which occurs when calcium builds up in the joint. Repetitive use of the joint, such as the movements required in different sports or careers can also damage your rotator cuff.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a minimally-invasive approach to shoulder surgery that uses special surgical instruments designed to be inserted through small incisions for diagnostic and repair procedures.
An arthroscope is a pencil-shaped device that has a tiny camera at one end. When the scope is inserted through a small incision and into your shoulder, it sends video footage of the inside of the joint to a monitor where your doctor studies them or uses them as a guide to repair your shoulder.
Arthroscopic surgery is generally preferred compared to traditional open incision techniques since smaller incisions result in faster healing and fewer complications. However, arthroscopic procedures aren’t suitable for all rotator cuff injuries.
A comprehensive examination of your shoulder joint including diagnostic imaging of the joint will be able to determine if an arthroscopic approach is the best choice for your needs.
