A woman holding her right arm out

Dr. Humphrey in Boise is a leading surgeon for rotator cuff repair surgery. He has extensive experience and exceptional expertise in this field, with numerous successful surgeries. Dr. Carl Scott Humphrey utilizes the most advanced techniques to repair rotator cuff damage, restoring patients’ range of motion and strength and helping them get back to their daily activities as quickly and efficiently as possible.

He provides a comprehensive approach to shoulder care – from diagnosis to aftercare – and strives to deliver outstanding results that exceed his patients' expectations. His services are tailored to accommodate each individual's needs, providing a personalized solution that is both safe and effective with minimal downtime. Patients can trust that they will receive quality medical care when they visit Dr. Humphrey for rotator cuff repair surgery in Boise.

A person reaching over their back to massage their shoulder | Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery and Humphrey Shoulder Clinic

What Is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?

Rotator cuff repair surgery is an increasingly common orthopedic procedure designed to treat the torn tendons that make up the rotator cuff. These muscles and tendons, located in the shoulder area, consist of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. Collectively they are responsible for rotating the arm at the shoulder joint, stabilizing the ball of the shoulder within its socket-like structure, and assisting in lifting movements by depressing the head of the humerus bone as you raise your arm.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Injuries to the rotator cuff affect people of all ages, but those over 40 are especially vulnerable. This is due to wear and tear on the muscles around the shoulder joint, which can become weakened with age, making them more susceptible to injury. Younger individuals may suffer from rotator cuff issues due to repetitive motions in their sporting activities or work-related tasks. Baseball pitchers, volleyball players, tennis players, swimmers, and other athletes often perform shoulder exercises and activities that increase their risk for a rotator cuff injury. Professions that require frequent lifting, overhead reaching, or other physical demands may also put a person at risk for developing this condition.

When Is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Essential?

A rotator cuff tear can present itself in several ways. Some patients who experience and injury report feeling a sudden pain, such as a snapping or tearing sensation, along with immediate weakness in the arm. Others may experience a slow-to-pain injury that radiates from the shoulder to the elbow. Often patients do not recall a specific injury.

Additionally, individuals with a rotator cuff tear may be unable to sleep on their affected shoulder and may experience stiffness or loss of motion in their shoulder. Everyday activities such as brushing one's hair, driving a car, and even putting on a bra can become difficult due to the persistent pain caused by the rotator cuff tear. Generally, if an individual has experienced pain in their rotator cuff for 6-12 months, it is essential to seek out medical advice as soon as possible before any further damage is done. Surgical repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear is more likely to be successful if performed within 6 months of the time of injury.

Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery at Humphrey Shoulder Clinic

Dr. Humphrey at Humphrey Shoulder Clinic is an expert in rotator cuff repair surgery and will determine the best treatment for your needs based on multiple factors, including imaging, range of motion testing, and muscle strength testing. Dr. Humphrey will review the diagnosis at your consultation appointment and discuss available treatment options. If surgery is recommended to treat your rotator cuff injury, Dr. Humphrey will provide you with a comprehensive list of instructions associated with the procedure to ensure that you are well-prepared for the experience.

A woman playing tennis in a blue court | Personalized Shoulder Care by Dr. Scott Humphrey

Depending on the severity of your injury and other factors, three main types of surgical repair may be recommended: arthroscopic repair, mini-open repair, or open surgical repair.

  • Arthroscopic or minimally-invasive repairs involve the insertion of a small camera through a small incision to view and treat the shoulder joint from the inside. Dr. Humphrey performs almost all of his rotator cuff repair surgeries arthroscopically.
  • Mini-open repair requires an incision about two to five centimeters in length, allowing access to remove damaged tissue or piece together torn tendons. This is rarely needed in this day and age.
  • Open surgical repairs require a larger incision that provides access to all areas of the shoulder joint so that affected tissues can be repaired or removed completely. This is rarely needed in this day and age.

Personalized Shoulder Care at Humphrey Shoulder Clinic

Are you looking for relief from shoulder pain? Humphrey Shoulder Clinic offers comprehensive treatment options to help you get back to normal living. Whether it’s a shoulder pain in need of non-surgical care or it's time to schedule surgery, we have the experience and expertise to assess your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and give you the support you need. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 208-639-4800 to start your journey to a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle.