torn rotator cuff surgery

I really think that it has to do with the physical condition of the patient. There are many doctors who will not do some operations more because of covering their butts, than sound medical practice. I don't know about rotator cuffs in particular, but I have known older people who were turned down by a physician for some operation, and then underwent it successfully with another surgeon.

I would suggest a second opinion.

torn rotator cuff surgery
Thanks, Phoenix. We certainly will consider a second opinion, even though the orthopedist in question is very highly regarded.

No opinion on the age thing, but if you have it done, get into physical therapy immediately.

Rotator cuff surgery is relatively new. A couple years ago I was going to daily physical therapy for a knee injury. I met a woman who was recovering from rotator cuff surgery. I would guess her age to be in her mid/late 40s. She described her recovery as brutal. My husband tore his rotator cuff a number of years ago, before the days of surgical repair. His exercise regimen includes very light weight lateral lifts which he still includes in his strength training routine. It seems to be a long recovery either way. I'm guessing your orthopod thinks the phyical therapy would be too strenuous.

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/25443.html



http://www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/story/268431p-229892c.html

This article looks promising.

torn rotator cuff surgery
Thanks again, Phoenix. We'd read the Intellihealth thing, but it left a lot of questions. The collagen patch information was new to us, and very interesting. However, we suspect that this person will ultimately decide to live with the situation, at least until it gets much worse.