Rotator Cuff Repair Specialist
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David Lintner, MD
Sports Medicine Physicians & Orthopedic Surgeons located in Houston, TX & Kingwood, TX
A rotator cuff tear causes shoulder weakness that may make it painful and difficult to complete daily tasks like getting dressed in the morning. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon David Lintner, MD, has extensive experience performing rotator cuff repair at two private practice locations in Houston and Kingwood, Texas. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online today to find out if rotator cuff repair is right for you.
Rotator Cuff Repair Q&A
What is rotator cuff repair?
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that join the head of your humerus to your shoulder socket (glenoid). The rotator cuff helps to stabilize your shoulder and plays a key role in lifting and rotating your arm. Rotator cuff tears are common injuries, especially in adults over age 40.
Dr. Lintner provides nonsurgical and surgical rotator cuff repair for adults and teens of all activity levels. As head team physician for the Houston Astros, he treats professional throwing athletes as well as older adults who want to maintain an active lifestyle.
When would I need rotator cuff repair surgery?
Dr. Lintner’s goal is to help you stay as active as you want to be while avoiding surgery whenever possible. He considers many factors when recommending the best treatment for your rotator cuff tear, including your age, activity level, and the type and severity of the tear.
If you’re healthy and active, rotator cuff repair surgery may help you regain strength and range of motion in your shoulder. You may benefit from a more conservative approach if the tissues in your rotator cuff are weakened due to a sedentary lifestyle.
What does rotator cuff repair entail?
Dr. Lintner typically uses minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn tendon. This approach requires smaller incisions than open surgery, which leads to less pain, a shorter recovery time, and a reduced risk of infection. Large or complex rotator cuff tears may require open surgery.
He may also use orthobiologic techniques, such as injections of mesenchymal stem cells from your own body, to accelerate healing after rotator cuff repair surgery.
What is the recovery like after rotator cuff repair surgery?
After surgery, you may need to keep your arm in a sling for 4-6 weeks. You begin physical therapy during this time, gradually increasing exercises to help you regain strength and mobility in your shoulder.
A full recovery may take 4-6 months, during which time your commitment to physical therapy and rehabilitation is essential.
To learn more about your options for rotator cuff repair, call David Lintner, MD, or book an appointment online today.