Question
Hi Dr.

The arthrogam confirmed that i do indeed have a SLAP tear Type 2. The ortho wants to do 3 weeks of PT first to see if this helps. What realistically are the chances of the PT helping. I hear alot more cases of surgury eventually being done.

Your help greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst Orthopedic Podiatrist says.......

Dear Tim,
Sorry to make public-but I only answer public questions-so that all may benefit! Thank-you for your understanding!

Excellent question!
For the most part these injuries are repaired with arthroscopic technique.
That said-are you athletic, how much does it bother you,how bad is the tear, etc
If there are still fibrous attachments of the muscle to the bone, and you do not plan to pitch baseball, then PT may work for you.
Physical therapy is not surgery-and so if it is cost effective-it may be worth a try.
All surgery has risks-which need to be weighed against the benefits.
What if you are the lucky 20-30% and the therapy heals the tear?
Sometimes these "tears" are also anatomic anomalies.
Choose wisely my friend.

Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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