Educational overview. Not medical advice.
Shoulder rotator cuff repair is a common orthopedic procedure in Tacoma, WA, a city with a population of approximately 203,446. The population is stable with a median age slightly higher than the national average, reflecting an active community focused on outdoor activities and sports. Demand for orthopedic services is driven by an aging population and a high prevalence of sports-related injuries.
Tacoma Overview
In Tacoma, major healthcare facilities include MultiCare Health System and Franciscan Health. While there is no designated academic center, local surgeons often collaborate with nearby tertiary centers for specialized care. This network ensures that residents have access to a range of orthopedic services.
Dominant commercial insurers in Tacoma include Regence and Premera. Medicare penetration is consistent with national averages, which is significant for joint-related procedures. Understanding insurance coverage is crucial for patients considering surgery, as it can influence access and affordability.
Active Lifestyle: Many residents engage in sports, increasing injury risk. Occupational Hazards: Jobs in construction and manufacturing can lead to shoulder injuries. Climate Considerations: Outdoor activities year-round contribute to wear and tear on joints. Rehabilitation Resources: A robust network of rehab facilities supports recovery.
This procedure typically involves repairing tears in the rotator cuff, which can happen due to injury or degeneration. Common techniques include arthroscopic repair and open repair, depending on the severity of the tear.
Patients usually consider surgery after exhausting non-surgical options like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and advanced therapies such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections. These alternatives aim to alleviate pain and improve function before considering surgical intervention.
The surgery involves making an incision, preparing the joint, and placing implants if necessary. Surgeons balance soft tissues during the procedure to ensure optimal function and minimize complications before closing the incision.
Recovery typically starts with immobilization for a few weeks, followed by gradual motion exercises. Strengthening begins after several weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few months, depending on individual progress.
Patients often compare options based on the surgeon's experience, facility logistics, and rehabilitation coordination. TopOrthoDocs serves as an educational search platform, emphasizing that greater procedure experience can lead to safer surgeries and smoother recoveries.
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