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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 72, underwent rotator cuff surgery on Tuesday, March 10, a spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY.
The head of the Department of Health and Human Services “is expected to return to the office this Monday,” an HHS spokesperson said. National Review first reported the news.
A spokesperson did not disclose the injury or condition that led to the surgery, but the Mayo Clinic says injuries to the rotator cuff, the muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint, are common and increase with age.
The clinic says many people with rotator cuff problems can manage their symptoms with physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength, but rotator cuff tears can also occur from a single injury.
“In such situations, you should seek immediate medical attention as surgery may be necessary,” the Mayo Clinic notes.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ OrthoInfo website, your doctor may suggest surgery if your pain doesn’t improve with nonsurgical methods, or if you’re very active and use your arm for overhead work or sports.
“Most surgical repairs can be performed on an outpatient basis (same-day surgery) and do not require an overnight stay in the hospital,” the OrthoInfo site added.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some rotator cuff injuries don’t cause pain, but others can cause a dull ache with weakness in the shoulder or arm. These symptoms can also disrupt sleep and make it difficult to reach your back or comb your hair, the clinic added.
