Debridement for rotator cuff disorders


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Debridement for rotator cuff disorders


Debridement involves removing loose fragments of tendon, thickened bursa, and other debris from around the shoulder joint. By clearing damaged tissue from the region of the shoulder joint, it helps the doctor to see the extent of the injury and determine whether you need more surgery.

Debridement may be done in arthroscopic surgery (through two or three tiny incisions) or in open surgery (usually one larger incision). It is usually the first step in rotator cuff surgery. Sometimes debridement is done with arthroscopic surgery before an open surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear.

Debridement may also be done without rotator cuff repair to help relieve pain and other symptoms that have not improved with other treatment. This may be an option for people who don't want to have open surgery.

Credits


Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics
Last Updated February 8, 2008

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Last updated: February 08, 2008
Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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