Question - Shoulder Surgery (SLAP and Rotator Cuff Repair)

by chris
(san francisco, ca USA)

I recently had arthroscopic surgery on my dominant shoulder, with the following diagnoses: 1. Labrum Tear SLAP Lesion "9 o'clock - 3 o'clock".
2. Full thickness tear to supraspinatus tendon.

Procedures performed were debridement, repair of Labrum and Rotator Cuff with sutures/anchors and subacromial decompression.

My questions are: which of the 2 injuries would be considered "worse", absent the other injury and when can I expect to return to work w/o restrictions with aggressive Physical Therapy? (I am a Firefighter for a large, busy city department)

Thanks for your assistance.

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Question - Shoulder Surgery (SLAP and Rotator Cuff Repair)

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Sep 21, 2008
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SLAP / rotator cuff repair
by: Bart - SII

Of the two injuries, I can't say that one would be worse than the other - if it was me, I would prefer to have a SLAP tear rather than the rotator cuff, but both are fairly significant, require surgery for a full recovery, and have a fairly significant recovery time.

Each physician is different with protocols for returning to activities, but because of the demanding nature of your job, I would probably put your full unrestricted return somewhere around 4-6 months after surgery. If you were my patient, that would be the timeline I would be giving you.

Bart

Nov 14, 2008
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worried nurse
by: Anonymous

I have just had a repair of full thikness supraspinus tendon tear and acromaplasty. I am 4 weeks into post same and am still very sore despite painkillers . Have started pt in hydro pool .I am worried re time line of how i am going to get over this. At this stage has anywone improved +or what am i going to face?Some days doing excerses not to bad but then very sore and not able to do then to the full extent. Am despering.how long has people found improvement?

Nov 25, 2008
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Slap tear and Rotator Cuff surgery you will get better
by: Kevin

I had a slap tear repair, Rotator Cuff trim and arthritis removed from my collar bone about 10 weeks ago. I am very active playing golf and coaching softball so have been motivated. After about 7 to 8 weeks got full range of motion after stretching and have been working resistence exercises, just began working on throwing. The shoulder feels better still hurts and gets stiff easily but I am still having steady improvement. The first four weeks are the toughest keep working and you should be okay.

Kevin

Mar 16, 2009
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Rotator cuff recovery
by: John G

I had rotator cuff repair after a skiing injury about 8 weeks ago It was extremely painful for about 6 weeks. I started rehab exercises about 10 days ago and already see a substantial improvement in range of motion. There is still some pain,but much less and usually after exercise, but the pain is inconsistent, worse one day better the other.
The best thing for pain is the application of an icepack. I think this is going to take some time to recover fully but that the propeer rehab is virtal.This has been a bad experience and I sympathize with the others.

Apr 13, 2009
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Reply-Slap Repair Question
by: Gary

Chris,
First...I am not a Doctor. I had SLAP repair done on January 19th, that included impingement repair, cyst removal and a scrap of arthritis.

I started rehab 3 days later and have been on a Mon-Wed-Fri 30 min schedule since Jan 20th.

My ortho surgeon put me on a busy rehab protocol so I would be fully healed in 4 months and ready to resume a normal, full use of the shoulder/arm after that time.

Bottom line....the more you can rehab it (correctly without pushing it) the better.

If they have you on a 1 or 2 day per week rehab schedule ask to have it increased. I was given the option and I told them 3 per week.

Check with your insurance company first.

Good luck with your rehab.

Jun 11, 2009
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Shoulder Surgery (SLAP and Rotator Cuff Repair)
by: Gina

Well Chris, I had a full thickness Labral tear and a partial supraspinatus tear (SLAP). It came from a traumatic injury (falling). After the injury I could only move the arm up about a foot. The Dr. had me go to physical therapy for 3 months before surgery to get as much motion back as possible. I was able to get back quite a lot. After surgery initially I could only move about 3 inches. The Dr. told me that was normal. It took a year and half of physical therapy but I have all my range back 100 per cent. It was not easy, but once you get determined you can do it, just do not give up, just keep going and you will get there.

Dec 07, 2009
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6-weeks post SLAP & rotator cuff surgery
by: helcat

I tore my labrum in a fall two years ago and did physical therapy - was able to get back to most activities, but swimming more than a lap or two was tough. In August, I tore my supraspinatus (full tear), and had surgery 6-weeks ago to repair both.

I am a personal trainer, and I did active pre-hab before the surgery, but I am still struggling to get my full range of motion back. I know because I have worked with others post rehab that this is a long process, but I was NOT emotionally prepared for how slow progress would seem. Thanks to all for your comments - just the reminder that it WILL get better is a big help.