Patients experiencing irreparable tears of the rotator cuff are now being treated  with a new procedure that has been termed tuberoplasty. 

The tuberoplasty procedure involves removal of exostoses on the humerus followed by reshaping of the greater tuberosity to create a smooth, congruent acromiohumeral articulation. The coracoacromial ligament is preserved, and an acromioplasty is not performed during this procedure. All patients had significant disabling pain and weakness preoperatively.

Results after the procedure concluded pain relief was most dramatic, with completely pain-free movement. All patients were able to perform activities of daily living, and those who were employed preoperatively returned to work. All patients had residual weakness in external rotation and some ROM limitations.

What should you do?

  • PT or Chiro evaluation
  • Activity modification
  • Cryotherapy 
  • Electrical Stim 
  • Home exercise program provided by practitioner

 

Source:

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S105827460277331X