stiffness after rotator cuff repair | orthopedic surgeon | vail colorado

A 57-year-old man with type II diabetes mellitus presented with right shoulder pain and weakness. The onset of symptoms was insidious and progressive over a two year period. The patient thought he initially injured his shoulder while swimming but noted that his symptoms had become much worse since re-injuring it while throwing a tennis ball 6 months before presentation. The pain was localized to his right shoulder and often awakened him from sleep. He had taken nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for the 6 months after re-injuring the shoulder and completed an intermittent course of physical therapy that included a rotator cuff strengthening program. He was an active person who enjoyed hunting and fishing but had been unable to do either because of the shoulder problems. For more shoulder surgery and rotator cuff studies, visit Peter Millett, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Vail Colorado http://drmillett.com /shoulder-studies