Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Surgery Overview Surgery may be used to treat a torn rotator cuff
Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff tendon usually involves:
Removing loose fragments of tendon bursa shoulder Making more room for the rotator cuff tendon so it is not pinched or irritated. If needed, this includes shaving bone or removing bone spurs from the point of the shoulder blade. (This is called subacromial smoothing). Sewing the torn edges of the supraspinatus tendon together and to the top of the upper arm bone (humerus). Arthroscopic surgery
What To Expect
You may reduce discomfort after surgery if you take pain medicines prescribed by your doctor.
Your arm will be protected in a sling for a time.
Physiotherapy
As soon as you awake from anesthesia, you may start doing exercises that flex and extend the elbow, wrist, and hand. A physiotherapist or a machine may help move the joint through its range of motion Active exercise (you move your arm yourself) and stretches, with the help of a physiotherapist, may start several weeks after surgery. This depends on how bad your tear was and how complex the surgical repair was. You'll be taught strengthening exercises a few months after surgery. You'll start with light weights and progress to heavier weights. Watch Why It Is Done
Surgery to repair a rotator cuff may be done when:
A rotator cuff tear is caused by a sudden injury. In these cases, it's best to do surgery soon after the injury. A complete rotator cuff tear causes severe shoulder weakness. It is likely that the rotator cuff tear could worsen. You do not have other shoulder problems, such as arthritis. The rotator cuff has not improved with several months of conservative non-surgical treatment alone (such as physiotherapy). You need full shoulder strength and function for your job or activities, or you are young. You are in good enough physical condition to recover from surgery and will commit to completing a program of physical rehab. Learn more Load More Information about Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
How Well It Works
Rotator cuff repair surgery for a tear from a sudden injury works best if it is done within a few weeks of the injury.footnote 1
Rotator cuff surgery to repair frayed or thinned tendon tissue is less likely to work than surgery to repair an injury to a healthy tendon.
Risks
Along with the risks of surgery in general, such as blood loss or problems related to anesthesia, complications of rotator cuff surgery may include:
Infection of the incision or of the shoulder joint. Pain or stiffness that won't go away. Damage to the deltoid tendon or muscle. (If the deltoid is detached, more surgery may be needed to repair it.) The need for repeated surgery because tendons do not heal properly or tear again. Nerve or blood vessel damage. (This isn't common.) Complex regional pain syndrome References
Citations Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care , 4th ed., pp. 311–316. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Credits
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Current as of: July 31, 2024
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Academy of Pediatrics (2010). Rotator cuff tears. In JF Sarwark, ed., Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care , 4th ed., pp. 311–316. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
