Rotator Cuff Surgery

If you have a rotator cuff tendon that has torn completely you will need surgery, because it won't heal without it. This surgery should be performed within three months of tearing the rotator cuff.

Recommendations for Surgery

• The rotator cuff is torn as a result of an injury, accident, dislocation or fracture.

• The torn rotator cuff is caused by degeneration that hasn't responded to other treatments

• Continuous pain or weakness in the injured shoulder interferes with your ability to perform necessary tasks.

Some rotator cuff tears cannot be repaired. If the tendon has been torn for a period of time, the tendon and muscle can pull back, which makes it impossible to reattach them.

Arthroscopic Surgery

If you have arthroscopic surgery, your surgeon will use a pen-shaped instrument with a miniature video camera attached to the end. He or she will make a small incision in the shoulder about the size of a quarter, then, the thin tube that contains the tiny video camera and surgical instruments is inserted. Your surgeon performs the operation with these remotely controlled instruments while watching a video screen.

Because this type of surgery requires limited access, the incision is small resulting in less risks and a shorter recovery time.

Recovery after Surgery

• After surgery you'll be taken to a recovery room for an hour or two.

• Your injured arm is kept in a sling, often with a pillow behind the elbow.

• You will only be given clear liquids at first.

• Ice will be applied to your shoulder for comfort.

With arthroscopic surgery you are normally able to return home the same day. You will need to have someone take you to your procedure and drive you home afterwards. You need to be sure to do all of the physical therapy exercises that are recommended as well as repeating them as often as your surgeon tells you which is about five times a day. You should begin moving your shoulder through its full range of motion as soon as possible after surgery in order to prevent the formation of scar tissue.

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