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Shoulder and Elbow Doctor – Buffalo, NY

Live Receptionist for Appointments: M-F 9 am – 5 pm: 716-204-3200

Dr. Matthew DiPaola

Dr. Matthew DiPaola

Buffalo, NY Shoulder and Elbow Doctor

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Rotator Cuff Tears: Stranger Than You’d Think

No doubt about it, rotator cuff tears can be confusing.  It’s not that you can’t understand the idea of having a tear in your tendon.  That’s easy.

It’s just that treating them can be counterintutive: some get better with therapy and others don’t.  Some cause significant pain and others don’t. Some need surgery and others don’t.

A new study  on rotator cuff tears is no less counterintutitive.

The  study demonstrated that if you have a rotator cuff tear that was not caused by trauma (atruamatic), there is no link between the amount of pain you experience and the size of your tear.

Strange right?

Intuitively you would think that the larger a rotator cuff tear is, the more painful it would be. But that was not the case.

The goal of the study was to figure out whether there are certain factors that cause rotator cuff tears to be painful in some people and not others. They examined a number of potential variables-size being one of them.

The three most important factors that predict pain in atraumatic full thickness rotator cuff tears are: educational level, race, and whether you have a large number of other health problems.

In other words if you have a full thickness atraumatic rotator cuff tear, have a a high school education, are black, have multiple medical problems and you have an atraumatic rotator cuff tear, you have a higher chance of having a pain. 

In some ways this is a frustrating finding for both patients and surgeons alike. The factors that seem to correlate with pain are not what we would considermodifiable risk factors.  That is, we can’t do anything about them- not in the short term at least.

To me this study emphasizes that there is still a tremendous amount of art to medicine.  It also drives home the point that even when treating something as specific as a rotator cuff tear, we are treating a person whose entire background including race, education and family support system factors into why they may be seeking treatment.

Knowing your patient is critical.

Category iconRotator Cuff,  Shoulder Problems and Treatments

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  • American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Podcast: National Shoulder and Elbow Week.
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  • The Arthroscopy and Simulation Lab at University at Buffalo: an inspiration for National Shoulder and Elbow Week
  • What are Multi Center Research Trials?
  • Where Does the Money Go?

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Meet Dr. DiPaola

Matthew DiPaola MD 2020

Matthew DiPaola, M.D

Dr. DiPaola is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and shoulder and elbow specialist. He has attained extensive training in the treatment of shoulder and elbow conditions and dedicates his practice to treating shoulder and elbow dysfunction with the most advanced surgical and non surgical … Read more about Matthew DiPaola, M.D

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Please contact me for an appointment or … Click here for more options about Contact Me

Are You Confused About Rotator Cuff Tears?

What are they? What is the right treatment for your rotator cuff? Why did your brother-in-law get surgery for his and you are only doing therapy? If you’re reading this you may already know how painful rotator cuff tears are. You yourself may have difficulty sleeping or lifting your arm overhead. … Read more about Are You Confused About Rotator Cuff Tears?

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If you are looking to:

  • Find out why your shoulder won't stop hurting at night
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Click Here to Make An Appointment

At your visit I will personally see you and:

  • Listen to your unique needs and goals
  • Review your imaging tests
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  • Fully explain your options
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...and get you on the road to a better night’s sleep.

In Good Health,
Matthew DiPaola M.D.

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