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Shoulder Capsular Reconstruction Specialist

Otis R. Drew, MD -  - Orthopaedic Surgeon

Otis R. Drew, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon located in Lafayette, LA

When a rotator cuff tear is beyond repair, you may be a candidate for a superior capsular reconstruction. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Otis Drew performs this surgery for patients in Lafayette, Louisiana, who have severe shoulder pain and a decrease in function due to a large, atrophied tear. Call the office or book an appointment using the online booking agent to learn how this state-of-the-art shoulder reconstruction can help relieve your pain and restore function in your joint.

Shoulder Capsular Reconstruction Q & A

Which conditions require a shoulder capsular reconstruction?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons located in your shoulder joint. It keeps your upper arm bone stable in the shoulder socket, while also allowing for a wide range of motion.

You may injure the rotator cuff in a sports incident, during an accident, or due to
overuse and degeneration over time. A tendon tears from its attachment site,
causing you pain and limited function.

Rotator cuff tears that are extremely large or that have atrophied cannot always be repaired through more conventional shoulder repair surgeries. In these cases, Dr. Drew may recommend
a shoulder capsular reconstruction to repair the tear and reattach the ligament to its attachment place.

What is shoulder superior capsular reconstruction?

A shoulder superior capsular reconstruction is a revolutionary surgery that restores the superior capsule, which is the upper part of your shoulder capsular lining, using a dermal patch.

Dr. Drew performs the surgery arthroscopically by making a small incision through which he inserts a small camera. The camera broadcasts an image to a screen so he can then see your shoulder joint.

During surgery, Dr. Drew attaches the dermal patch to your arm bone head on one side and to the shoulder socket on the other side. The rotator cuff tendons are attached to this patch as well.

He places you under general anesthesia for the procedure. It’s often performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home for recovery on the same day.

Is shoulder superior capsular surgery successful?

The surgery is effective at restoring mobility and improving function in patients with rotator cuff tears. Research supports this procedure as a treatment for chronic rotator cuff tears. This is considered a more aggressive treatment, so Dr. Drew may recommend it in cases that don’t respond well to other surgery or treatment protocols.

If you already have arthritis, the surgery is unlikely to help your pain and Dr. Drew may not recommend it as treatment.

If you have a complex or chronic rotator cuff tear, call Dr. Drew or book a consultation online to learn more about shoulder capsular reconstruction.