This video is a patient testimonial featuring Dr. Don Buford and his patient, Derek, who underwent surgery for a rotator cuff repair.
Medical Background & Procedure
- Condition: Derek suffered from a 2.5-centimeter rotator cuff tear on his right shoulder. He notes that the injury wasn't caused by a single event, but rather a combination of weightlifting (specifically chest fly exercises) and carrying his kids.
- Treatment: Dr. Buford performed a bilateral arthroscopic repair to fix the torn rotator cuff.
Recovery Timeline & Progress
- Early Post-Op: Derek shares that his pain during the first couple of weeks wasn't too severe while keeping the arm immobilized. However, the most painful moments occurred due to involuntary reflex actions, such as instinctively reaching out to catch a falling object.
- Physical Therapy: Following Dr. Buford's standard protocol, Derek remained in a sling before starting physical therapy six weeks after the surgery, focusing on active-assisted motion.
- Current Status (3.5 Months Post-Op):
- Range of Motion: Derek demonstrates excellent forward and side range of motion, which he estimates to be at about 90% of normal. He notes some stiffness and ongoing difficulty with internal rotation (reaching behind his back), which Dr. Buford assures him is completely normal and the slowest motion to return.
- Strength: Derek estimates his strength is currently at about 50% due to muscle atrophy from the period of inactivity in the sling, but notes that it improves every day.
- Overall Rating: Derek places his total shoulder functionality somewhere between 60% and 80% of normal, expressing satisfaction with his steady progress.
