K. Mathew Warnock, MD, of Houston, performed a new surgical procedure for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Here are five things to know:
1. The procedure is called Superior Capsular Reconstruction, and recent studies show that it restores stability and function to shoulder joints with irreparable tears of the rotator cuff tendon.
2. With SCR, patients experience marked improvements in shoulder strength, functions and pain relief with few early complications.
3. Out of the first 22 patients who underwent SCR, muscle strength significantly improved. Eight of these patients were manual workers, and they were able to return to their jobs because of that procedure.
4. SCR was pioneered in 2007 specifically for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
5. In the procedure, allograft tissues are placed in the area where the torn rotator cuff tendons were located. This form of patch graft surgery can stabilize and reinforce the shoulder joint, restore function and strength of the arm and can reduce or eliminate pain altogether.
6. Dr. Warnock is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.