Superior Capsular Reconstruction Surgeon
Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve throwing overhead? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your rotator cuff. When a rotator cuff tear cannot be repaired by traditional methods, a Superior Capsular Reconstruction (SCR) may be recommended. Superior Capsular Reconstruction surgeon, Dr. James Mazzara provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities who have sustained a rotator cuff tear. Contact Dr. Mazzara’s team today!
Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction (SCR) –for irreparable cuff tears in selected patients.
What is Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction?
Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) is a recently-developed surgery technique for treating massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. The superior capsule is the upper part of the capsular lining of the shoulder joint. The procedure utilizes a graft called a dermal allograft or cadaver skin graft which is attached (anchored) between the upper end of the glenoid (shoulder socket) and the upper end of the humeral head (the bone of the arm). Dr. James Mazzara, shoulder surgeon, uses this type of graft to recreate the upper capsule of the shoulder lost to a long-standing rotator cuff tear for patients in Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities.
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When is Superior Capsular Reconstruction Used?
In some patients rotator cuff tears can be massive, causing pain, weakness and the complete inability to move or raise their arm. In some cases, tendon tears can be very large and can retract, making them irreparable. In selected cases, surgical techniques used to address massive tears included tendon transfer or patch graft surgery. However, the loss of function of certain parts of the rotator cuff (the supraspinatus tendon) can result in a loss of balance of the muscle forces around the shoulder and, as a result, the head of the humerus will migrate closer to the acromion. This results in a grinding (called crepitus) when the acromion abrades the humeral head. This can lead to worsening of the tear and the development of osteoarthritis. In more advanced cases, this is called cuff tear arthropathy. This results in unwanted mechanical abrasion of the tendon, making the original tear worse. SRC helps hold the ball of the arm bone (humeral head) into the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder. Studies have shown superior capsular reconstruction restores stability and balance to the shoulder joint, resulting in less pain and better function for patients.
Can SCR Surgery be Done Arthroscopically?
Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction surgery for irreparable cuff tears in selected patients is the preferred method of operation for Dr. James Mazzara, shoulder surgeon. Also called ASCR, Dr. Mazzara utilizes the minimally invasive surgery approach to promote quicker healing in his patients from Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities. Patients who undergo ASCR have less pain, less stiffness and more mobility after surgery.
For additional information, or to find out if you are a candidate for SCR, please contact the orthopedic practice of Dr. James Mazzara, shoulder surgeon, in the Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities.