506.546.6286
Just imagine how easy life would be to enjoy if you weren't
living with all that pain
Choose Which One Works Best For You...

If you're in pain and want to feel better, we'd love to talk to you. We work with folks that are looking for a solution to their problem and who are committed to improving their health and quality of life.

If you want to take control of your life and be happy again, then click on any of the three FREE options above and let's start the conversation!

Ebook
Call us crazy.. but YES, we are
Giving away FREE ADVICE so You
Can treat your injury and feel
Better about work
Yes! I want My FREE report

Tell us where it hurts and
we’ll help you feel better:

Ebook
Back Pain
Learn easy ways how to get a stronger back so you can work and play worry-free. Ebook
Ebook
Elbow Pain
Learn the quickest ways to regain your grip strength. Ebook
Ebook
Knee Pain
Learn tips to walk or run further for longer with less knee pain. Ebook
Ebook
Shoulder Pain
Ease shoulder pain and use it with confidence again. Ebook

Rotator Cuff Surgey with Osteoporosis

Q: I am considering having rotator cuff surgery but my surgeon says my osteoporosis may be a problem. I've been told that my brittle bones may make it harder to get a good result. Is there anything I can do about this? Vitamins? Medications? I have seen commercials for medications that are supposed to help. But I've also heard reports on the radio that the drugs aren't all they are cracked up to be? What's the best way to go?

A: You are right that studies have shown there's a fairly high failure rate after rotator cuff repair. In fact, failure of the tendon repair to heal ranges from 20 to 94 per cent. There are many known or potential risk factors, including the one you mentioned: osteoporosis (decreased bone density).

Recognizing the role of osteoporosis in rotator cuff tear healing is a fairly new research finding. Once the correlation between bone mineral density and tendon repair failure was observed, we realized patients at increased risk for failed tendon healing can be identified. Surgeons can measure bone mineral density before surgery.

With careful management of low bone mineral density it may be possible to improve the healing rate of surgically repaired rotator cuff tears. How can this be done? If you smoke or use tobacco products, you can decrease (better yet, quit!) use of tobacco products.

Also eliminating alcohol while increasing your calcium and vitamin D intake are recommended steps. Proper exercise and medications (e.g., hormone therapy) are also known to increase bone mineral density level. Since osteoporosis and rotator cuff tears are both common in older adults (especially postmenopausal women), efforts must continue to educate everyone of the importance of osteoporosis prevention.

Consult with your physician to find out what your overall risk factors are and make every effort to reduce those that are within your control. These are just a few suggestions related to your question about bone mineral density. Your physician may have some additional thoughts specific to your health.

Reference: Seok Won Chung, MD, et al. Factors Affecting Rotator Cuff Healing After Arthroscopic Repair. In The American Journal of Arthroscopic Repair. October 2011. Vol. 39. No. 10. Pp. 2099-2107.

Share this page
Printer