Would A Rotator Cuff Surgery Be Sufficient And Helpful When Diagnosed With Osteoarthritis?

Posted on Thu, 5 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 5 Jul 2018 Answered on

Wed, 9 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I would like a second opinion. Went to see Ortho doctor today. Read both X-rays and MRI. Said his best advice would be to replace the shoulder. I am hopeful that just a rotator cuff surgery would be sufficient. I am 80 yrs old. Osteoarthritis is present and the doctor's logic suggesting that replacing the shoulder would eliminate the arthritis problem in the shoulder. I have a current, this week, CD to share.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload the report.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Shoulder replacement is suggested if there are osteoarthritic changes in the joint along with the rotator cuff tear or inflammation. Only repair of the rotator cuff will not help the osteoarthritis and you may need another surgery for replacement in next few years. This depends on the severity of osteoarthritis that you have. You can upload the report of MRI scan and X-ray for a better evaluation.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.

Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar