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WEDNESDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) — Injuries to the shoulder’s rotator cuff are treatable, but it’s not cloudless whether surgery or non-surgical treatments — such as rest, exercise as well as medications — are the best approach, researchers say. Rotator cuff tears are ordinary among older adults as well as can result in significant pain as well as limited arm motion, the authors of a recent study noted in a news release from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research as well as Quality (AHRQ). For this study, the researchers examined treatment as well as rehabilitative options for rotator cuff tears as well as found that both surgical as well as non-surgical treatments benefited patients, but there were few differences in outcome between these methods. In addition, the researchers found no evidence indicating ideal timing of surgery to repair tears to the rotator cuff, which is composed of four muscle-tendon units. The study, published by the AHRQ, was released in the July 5 online edition of the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. “Rotator cuff surgery is a viable option for many patients but, as with any surgery, it isn’t for everybody. This report has pleasant news: most interventions work, as well as each patient should talk to his or her healthcare professional about which option to pursue,” Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, AHRQ director, said in the news release.
For most older patients with a rotator cuff tear, initial treatment involves up to three months of non-surgical methods such as pain medications as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise as well as rest. Incase these treatments don’t work, doctors may recommend surgery. Traditionally, surgery has almost always been recommended for younger adults who suffer a rotator cuff tear, according to the news release. The reason is that some doctors believe that earlier surgery for a rotator cuff tear results in less pain, best take of the shoulder, lower health examination costs as well as an earlier return to work for patients. But this study found little evidence that beginning surgery benefits patients, the study authors said. – Robert Preidt
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