Full thickness subscap tear with retraction

Bones, joints and muscles
1

This is a workers comp injury so I am seeing an older workers comp Dr I do not have a lot of faith in - bad communication, his office is a nightmare, etc. The reason I am seeing him is that my favorite ortho (a top ortho in my state) does this older doc's surgeries. The top doc is not covered by my WC insurance plan. So, a win win for me.

I got the results from the MRI (it took me a year to get an arthrogram) and it came back with a full thickness tear of the subscap with 5 cm retraction. The PA at the WC doc discussed the results and tentatively scheduled surgery - we just needed insurance approvals. 

In the meantime I contacted my favorite doc's PA (my daughter and I have been long-time patients) just to see that I was getting the straight scoop. The PA said the retraction is too great and I have too much at atrophy. This is the third time I have torn my subscap - even had an allograft.

So what does this mean. Do I just sit here in pain for the next 40 - 50 years? I am very active and very fit. I have also been in constant, unrelenting pain for 2 years. 

What should I be pushing the Dr. to do, investigate, try?

2

OMG how did you tear it with an allograft?   I had a graft about 4 months ago.   My surgeon told me if  it tore again, I would be looking at total shoulder replacement.  Or a reverse shoulder replacement.  It seems like the only option.   I also have had 3 surgeries in a little over 2 years, the last being the graft.  I'm being super careful and following the surgeons instructions  to a T.   I'm a little disappointed in my strength.  I have the range while raising my arm with assistance but without assistance I can only get almost shoulder height.  Did  you have this issue  too?   

3

I had a scope / debride, a second surgery to tighten the capsule, then I tore my subscap and had it repaired, then I tore it again (by scooting up in bed) and had it repaired with an allograph. The from being in a sling I got elbow impingement and had to have that fixed. There was a lot underlying atrophy. No clue how I did it this time. I am 5'-7", 120. Very active. I think I just think I am stronger than I am :-)

The graph lasted about 9 years. I always had really good range of motion (like too much).