When shoulder pain strikes, finding the right treatment for rotator cuff tears becomes essential for getting back to your daily activities. At Cary Orthopaedics, our team of board-certified shoulder specialists brings decades of combined experience in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff injuries. These tears affect millions of Americans each year, causing pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion that can significantly impact quality of life.
Understanding rotator cuff tears and knowing when to seek professional care can make the difference between a quick recovery and long-term complications.
This blog will provide a brief overview of rotator cuff tears and introduce you to the top shoulder specialists at Cary Orthopaedics.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff of the shoulder is made up of four muscles and tendons that work together to stabilize the shoulder and enable smooth, controlled movement. When one or more of these tendons tears, it can cause significant pain and functional limitations.
Rotator cuff tears can occur suddenly from trauma or develop gradually over time due to wear and tear. Age-related degeneration, repetitive overhead activities, and shoulder impingement are common causes. The study published in the ELSEVIER found that rotator cuff tears affect approximately 22.1% of the general population, with incidence increasing significantly with age.
Common symptoms include shoulder pain that worsens at night, weakness when lifting or rotating the arm, and a crackling sensation during shoulder movement. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for rotator cuff tears can prevent further damage and improve outcomes.
Our Team of Shoulder Specialists
Our team of shoulder specialists at Cary Orthopaedics includes:
Brian T. Szura, MD
As the senior partner at Cary Orthopaedics since 1992, Dr. Szura was one of the first sports fellowship-trained orthopedists in the Triangle area. He specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures for shoulder reconstruction.
His extensive experience includes treating professional athletes from teams like the Carolina Courage Women’s soccer team.
Derek L. Reinke, MD
Dr. Reinke joined Cary Orthopaedics in 1999 after completing his sports medicine fellowship at Cincinnati Sports Medicine Center.
His approach focuses on treating motivated patients who actively participate in their recovery process. Dr. Reinke stays current with evolving orthopedic techniques to provide the most effective treatment options.
William K. Andersen, MD
Dr. Andersen brings a unique engineering background to his orthopedic practice. He earned degrees from Columbia University and New York University, plus graduate engineering training at Dartmouth.
Dr. Andersen specializes in hip and shoulder arthroscopy, combining his engineering problem-solving skills with surgical expertise.
Mark A. Curzan, MD
Since joining Cary Orthopaedics in 2001, Dr. Curzan has focused on sports medicine and shoulder injuries. His sports medicine fellowship at the prestigious Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colorado, provided extensive experience treating complex shoulder and knee injuries.
Raymond M. Carroll, MD
Dr. Raymond M. Carroll is a highly skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in the treatment of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff injuries. With over three decades of expertise, Dr. Carroll has established himself as a leader in his field, offering both conservative and surgical approaches tailored to meet the needs of each patient.
Dr. Carroll’s practice emphasizes personalized care and cutting-edge treatment options for shoulder injuries, leveraging advanced techniques to help patients return to their daily activities as quickly and safely as possible. Whether through non-surgical methods like physical therapy and injections or innovative surgical procedures like arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and arthroscopic labral repairs, Dr. Carroll is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Edouard F. Armour, MD
Dr. Armour’s orthopedic expertise includes advanced techniques for treating complex shoulder injuries. He is focused on reconstructive and arthroscopic management of the shoulder.
His commitment to patient education ensures that each individual understands their condition and treatment options thoroughly.
Jeremy J. Miles, MD
Dr. Miles combines modern orthopedic techniques with a patient-centered approach to care. His experience treating shoulder conditions includes both arthroscopic and open surgical procedures when necessary.
Chad W. Parkes, MD
Dr. Parkes focuses on providing comprehensive orthopedic care with attention to each patient’s individual needs and goals. His expertise includes the full spectrum of treatment options for rotator cuff tears.
Treatment Approaches for Rotator Cuff Tears
Our shoulder specialists use a comprehensive approach to treating rotator cuff tears. Treatment plans are individualized based on factors including tear size, patient age, activity level, and overall health status.
Conservative Treatment Options
Many rotator cuff tears respond well to non-surgical treatment. Physical therapy forms the cornerstone of conservative care, focusing on strengthening surrounding muscles and improving shoulder mechanics. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and swelling.
Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief for persistent pain. Our specialists also offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use the patient’s own blood components to potentially promote healing.
Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative treatment fails to provide adequate relief, surgical repair may be necessary. Our surgeons use minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques whenever possible, which offer smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and faster recovery times.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involves inserting a small camera and surgical instruments through tiny incisions. The torn tendon is reattached to the bone using special anchors and sutures. For larger tears, open surgical repair may be required.
Why Choose Cary Orthopaedics to Seek Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears in Cary, Holly Springs, and Morrisville, NC
Since 1982, Cary Orthopaedics has provided exceptional orthopedic care throughout the Triangle region. Our board-certified shoulder specialists combine extensive training, years of experience, and access to advanced technology to deliver optimal outcomes for rotator cuff injuries.
With three convenient Triangle locations in Cary, Morrisville-RTP, and Holly Springs, quality orthopedic care is always within reach.
Contact Cary Orthopaedics today at 919.573.4825 to schedule your appointment with one of our board-certified shoulder specialists. For more information about our new doctors, Dr. Adam Almaguer and Dr. Paul Andrews, contact us at 919.467.4992.