Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

Contact Us: 610-375-4949

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Partial Tear of Rotator Cuff: Diagnosis and Treatment

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Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common orthopedic injuries, particularly among active individuals. When a patient sustains a partial or complete rotator cuff tear, it can result in pain, weakness and restricted range of motion in the shoulder. Fortunately, the symptoms of a full or partial tear of rotator cuff tendons can often be alleviated with conservative methods.

Diagnosing a Torn Rotator Cuff

The appropriate course of treatment for a torn rotator cuff will depend on the nature of the tear, including its size, location and severity. In order to determine where rotator cuff damage is present and how severe it is, a sports medicine physician may use a number of diagnostic techniques. These include:

  • A thorough shoulder examination. The doctor will move and press on the shoulder in various areas to assess mobility, strength and overall functionality of the rotator cuff muscles.
  • Imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound. This will help the physician to determine precisely where damage is present and whether the rotator cuff tear is partial or complete.

Possible Treatments for a Partial Tear of Rotator Cuff

Generally speaking, patients who have sustained a partial tear of rotator cuff are typically able to get relief from their symptoms without surgery. There are a number of non-invasive treatment options which can help to promote healing of the rotator cuff.

For many patients, performing physical therapy exercises is a key step in making a full recovery from a partial thickness rotator cuff tear. Steroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications can also be of use for pain reduction and shoulder rehabilitation.

In the event that conservative methods fail to resolve a patient’s discomfort and restore strength/mobility to the shoulder joint, however, surgery may be suggested. In most cases, partial rotator cuff tears can be addressed with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Depending on what percentage of the tendon is torn, surgical rotator cuff repair may or may not be needed.

Concerned About Lingering Shoulder Symptoms? See Dr. Soffer

If you suspect that you may have torn your rotator cuff, you’ll want to seek medical attention from a skilled orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Stephen Soffer in Reading, PA. Specializing in the diagnosis of shoulder issues and creation of effective treatment plans, Dr. Soffer is a qualified choice for your care.

Whether your rotator cuff injury can be treated conservatively or requires surgery, you can count on Dr. Soffer to help you make a fast and full recovery. To schedule an appointment with him, call our 24-hour sports injury hotline at 610-375-4949.

How Can I Tell If I Tore My MCL? Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

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how can i tell if i tore my mcl

Commonly known as the MCL, the medial collateral ligament is a crucial component of the knee joint which provides stability and prevents the joint from becoming overly mobile. While this ligament is quite resilient, it can be torn through significant impact to the inside of the knee. MCL tears are common among athletes – especially those who play sports such as football or basketball. If you are experiencing knee discomfort following physical activity, you might ask: How can I tell if I tore my MCL?

How Can I Tell If I Tore My MCL? Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms of a torn MCL will vary from patient to patient. However, there are some general signs which are characteristic of this common knee injury. An individual with an MCL tear may notice the following:

  • A popping sound when the injury is sustained
  • Pain (ranging from mild to severe depending on injury grade) on the inside of the knee
  • Instability, or feeling like the knee cannot bear weight and may give out
  • Knee stiffness
  • Trouble bending and straightening the affected leg
  • Swelling, which may spread to other parts of the knee joint

In case of a severe blow to the knee, other ligaments may be affected in addition to the MCL. For instance, the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), located on the outside of the knee, may also be damaged. Further, it is possible to sustain a combination anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and MCL injury. If multiple ligaments are damaged, the patient will likely experience pain in various parts of the knee joint.

If You Suspect an MCL Tear, Seek Care from Dr. Soffer

“How can I tell if I tore my MCL?” Our orthopedic surgeon is frequently asked this question. As outlined above, there are certain signs and symptoms which can point to an MCL tear. Ultimately, however, only a skilled sports medicine doctor can accurately diagnose a torn MCL. After all, the symptoms of an MCL tear may overlap with those of other knee conditions and injuries.

If you or your child is experiencing persistent knee discomfort, it is important to promptly seek care from an orthopedic expert. For world-class care in the Reading, PA area, patients rely on Dr. Stephen Soffer.

Through the use of cutting-edge techniques, Dr. Soffer will identify the injury or condition which is causing your symptoms. Then, he will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment based on your individual circumstances. Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Soffer specializes in MCL repair surgery as well as nonsurgical treatment methods.

If you would like to set up an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to helping you get on the road to recovery.

We Are Now Offering Telemedicine

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Given the Coronavirus Pandemic, there is a need for non-traditional patient-physician encounters. Therefore, Dr. Gill, Dr. Canner, Dr. Nord, and Dr. Soffer are now performing telemedicine in addition to seeing patients in the office.

Many patients desire a virtual encounter rather than an office visit during this time for obvious reasons. Our goal is, as always, to provide exceptional, cutting-edge and state-of-the-art orthopedic care to each patient so that they may return to an active, rewarding and pain-free life. Please call our office at 610-375-4949 for an office or telemedicine appointment. Hope all stay safe and healthy!

Who Is a Candidate for Reverse Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery?

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reverse shoulder joint replacement surgery

The shoulder is a complex joint consisting of a ball (the upper part of the arm bone) and a socket (the shoulder blade). Surrounding the shoulder joint is the rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles which help to stabilize the upper arm bone and facilitate shoulder motion. When any of these essential parts of the shoulder become damaged, discomfort and reduced range of motion may result. If shoulder symptoms are severe and other treatment options are not viable, reverse shoulder joint replacement surgery may be recommended.

Who Is a Candidate for Reverse Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery?

Reverse shoulder replacement is a revolutionary procedure in that it can help patients for whom other treatments have not offered adequate relief from their shoulder symptoms. By reversing the normal positioning of the ball and socket in the joint, this procedure can help to alleviate shoulder pain and increase range of motion.

Here are some of the factors which will influence whether a patient is a suitable candidate for this surgery:

  • Type & Severity of Shoulder Damage – There are a number of circumstances in which a patient may benefit from reverse shoulder replacement. This procedure may be suggested for individuals with severe arthritis (cuff tear arthropathy), irreparable damage to the rotator cuff, significant shoulder pain/immobilization or a previous failed shoulder replacement.
  • Age & Activity Level – Generally speaking, this shoulder surgery is more commonly recommended to older patients than younger ones. Since older individuals tend to be less active, they will have an easier time with recovery. Recovery is typically at least four months. Furthermore, an older patient will most likely put less strain on their operated shoulder than an active young person.

These are a few important considerations when deciding if reverse shoulder joint replacement surgery is a good option for you at this time. Ultimately, your orthopedic surgeon will need to examine your shoulder and ask you a series of questions in order to determine whether you are a candidate.

Depend on Dr. Soffer for Personalized, Experience-Backed Shoulder Care

If you are seeking quality care for lingering shoulder symptoms, Dr. Stephen Soffer is a choice you can rely on. Recognized as one of the top doctors in the U.S. in the field of orthopedic surgery and artificial joint replacement, Dr. Soffer possesses significant expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder conditions. Through state-of-the-art treatments such as reverse shoulder joint replacement surgery, he helps patients get lasting relief from shoulder pain.

Whether your shoulder issue necessitates surgery or can be treated with conservative methods, Dr. Soffer will focus on helping you get back to normal as quickly as possible. To arrange a consultation, please call our office at 610-375-4949.

What Are the Common Causes of Knee Arthritis, and How Is It Treated?

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Knee arthritis is a very common condition marked by symptoms such as pain, stiffness and swelling in the knee joint. There are several different types of arthritis which may affect the knee, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Furthermore, there are a wide range of possible causes of arthritis in knee cartilage, bone and other tissues.

Common Causes of Arthritis in Knee Joint

Depending on the type of arthritis a patient is experiencing and other individual circumstances, the causes of arthritis in the knee can vary greatly. Here are a few factors which may contribute to the development of certain types of knee arthritis:

  • Age – While knee osteoarthritis can develop in younger individuals, it most commonly affects patients over the age of 50. This type of arthritis is caused by wear and tear over time, and thus it is more likely to have its onset later in life.
  • Excess weight – Being overweight can also increase one’s chance of developing knee osteoarthritis. Excess body weight means more stress is placed on the knee joint, which can speed up the wearing down of knee cartilage.
  • Injury – Knee injuries such as meniscus tears may cause lasting damage to the joint, potentially leading to post-traumatic arthritis later down the line. This is why it is important to seek prompt, professional treatment for knee injuries.
  • Genetics – While the exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis remain unknown, medical professionals have determined that family history may contribute to the development of this autoimmune disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause softening of the knee bones, plus swelling in the joint.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all possible causes of arthritis in knee tissue – it is simply an introduction to what might bring about this common knee condition.

A Few Possible Treatments for Knee Arthritis

If you are experiencing ongoing knee discomfort, knee arthritis may be to blame. Depending on the type and severity, there are a number of treatments your orthopedic doctor might suggest. A few examples include:

  • Wearing a knee brace
  • Performing physical therapy exercises
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications
  • Losing weight, if applicable
  • Getting injections of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids

If these first-line measures do not offer relief for your knee symptoms, your physician might suggest considering arthroscopic knee surgery, or a partial or total knee replacement.

See Dr. Soffer for World-Class Knee Care

Tired of living with knee pain that interferes with your life? Dr. Stephen Soffer is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of knee arthritis and other knee conditions. Offering all of the latest and most effective knee treatments – both surgical and non-surgical – Dr. Soffer is committed to helping his patients feel better.

If you are seeking top-notch knee care in the Reading, PA area, call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer. We look forward to helping you resolve your knee issues so that you can resume a full and fulfilling life.

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