Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

What is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?

Rotator cuff repair surgery is a procedure that aims to fix a torn tendon in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of shoulder movements. 

When one or more of these tendons are torn due to injury or degeneration, it can result in pain, weakness, and limited shoulder mobility. Surgery typically involves reattaching the torn tendon(s) to the bone, shaving down any bone spurs, and repairing any other associated damage.

When is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Necessary?

Rotator cuff repair surgery may be necessary when a rotator cuff injury is causing significant pain, weakness, or loss of function, especially if non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections have not provided sufficient relief. 

In some cases, surgery might be recommended sooner, particularly if the tear is large or if the patient is highly active and needs to restore full shoulder function as quickly as possible.

Surgery might also be necessary if the tear is acute and occurs due to a traumatic injury, such as a fall or lifting a heavy object. In these situations, timely surgical intervention can prevent further damage and improve the chances of a full recovery.

Getting Ready for the Procedure

Preparing for rotator cuff repair surgery involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Your surgeon will likely recommend a preoperative evaluation, which may include imaging studies like an MRI or X-rays to assess the extent of the tear and plan the surgery.

You may be advised to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, in the days leading up to the surgery. Additionally, if you smoke, your surgeon may recommend quitting, as smoking can impede the healing process. It is also important to plan for your recovery period, which might involve arranging for help at home, especially in the first few days post-surgery when your arm will be immobilized.

The Rotator Cuff Surgery Procedure

Rotator cuff repair surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, although a regional nerve block might also be used to numb the shoulder area.

After the surgical site is cleaned, the surgeon will make an incision. The incision size will depend on the type of procedure required.

The surgeon will then repair the tendon. This may involve reattaching the tendon to the upper arm bone or using a tendon graft. Bone spurs are removed at this time, and other repairs may be made, including bicep tear repairs.

Finally, the incisions will be closed using stitches or surgical staples, and a bandage will be applied.

The surgery can be done using the following approaches:

• Arthroscopic surgery: This is the most common approach and involves making small incisions around the shoulder through which a camera and specialized instruments are inserted. The surgeon uses these tools to view the inside of the shoulder and repair the torn tendons.
• Open surgery: In some cases, a traditional open approach may be necessary, especially for large or complex tears. This method involves a larger incision to access the shoulder tendons directly.
• Mini-open repair: The incision is smaller than open surgery. The surgeon removes bone spurs and addresses other structures using an arthroscope. The tendon repair will then be done through the incision without the use of the camera.

The choice of technique depends on the size and location of the tear, as well as the surgeon’s preference and experience.

What Are the Risks of a Rotator Cuff Repair?

As with any surgery, rotator cuff repair carries some risks, although they are relatively rare. Potential risks include:

• Infection: While uncommon, infections can occur at the incision site or within the shoulder joint.
• Stiffness: Some patients may experience stiffness or limited range of motion after surgery.
• Nerve or blood vessel damage: There is a small risk of damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels during the procedure.
• Re-tear of the tendon: While the surgery is generally successful, there is a chance that the repaired tendon could tear again, particularly if proper post-operative care and rehabilitation are not followed.

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you and take steps to minimize them.

Recovery and Outcome

Recovery from rotator cuff repair surgery varies depending on the severity of the tear and the type of surgery performed. After the procedure, your arm will be immobilized in a sling for several weeks to protect the repair and allow for initial healing. Physical therapy will begin soon after, starting with gentle passive movements and gradually progressing to active exercises aimed at restoring strength and flexibility.

Full recovery can take several months, but most patients experience significant pain relief and improved shoulder function. It’s important to follow your rehabilitation plan closely to achieve the best possible outcome. While individual results may vary, many people are able to return to their usual activities, including sports, within 6 to 12 months.

Contact Us

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear, our team at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow is here to help. 

We offer comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to get you back to your best self. Learn more about our shoulder services and schedule a consultation with one of our specialists in Marietta or Atlanta, GA, today.