Treatment

Rotator Cuff Repair

Overview

Rotator cuff repair is a medical procedure used to fix a torn or damaged rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that help lift and rotate your arm. This treatment is often recommended when shoulder pain, weakness or limited motion affects your daily life and other methods like rest or physical therapy have not provided relief. It can be done through open surgery or a minimally invasive method called arthroscopy. The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life.

Why Rotator Cuff Repair Treatment is Required?

• Persistent rotator cuff pain that does not improve with rest or medication.
• Partial or complete rotator cuff tear is seen in imaging tests.
• Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm due to rotator cuff muscle damage.
• Shoulder injury from sports, falls, or repetitive motion.
• Supraspinatus tendon tear or weakness affecting shoulder strength.
• To prevent rotator cuff rupture from getting worse.
• Signs of a torn rotator cuff like clicking, popping, or grinding sounds.
• Unhealed or failed recovery from shoulder ligament tear or strain.

Key Advantages of Rotator Cuff Repair Treatment

• Helps restore full shoulder movement and strength
• Reduces or eliminates chronic shoulder pain
• Improves ability to sleep, especially rotator cuff pain at night
• Allows return to daily activities and sports
• Prevents long-term shoulder damage or rotator cuff syndrome
• Increases shoulder stability and reduces risk of further injury
• Offers lasting relief when compared to non-surgical approaches

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Rotator Cuff Repair Treatment

• Get imaging tests like MRI to confirm the rotator cuff tear
• Discuss any ongoing medications with your doctor
• Stop smoking as it can delay healing
• Plan for time off work and shoulder surgery recovery time
• Arrange someone to help at home post-surgery
• Strengthen the shoulder muscles with light exercises as advised
• Maintain a balanced diet to support healing
• Prepare mentally and emotionally for the healing process

How Rotator Cuff Repair Treatment is Performed?

• Usually done as arthroscopic shoulder surgery (minimally invasive)
• Small incisions are made to insert a camera and surgical tools
• Torn or damaged rotator cuff muscles and tendons are repaired
• Sometimes, supraspinatus tendon is reattached to the bone
• In severe cases, open shoulder surgery may be required
• The area is cleaned, repaired and stitched; a sling is applied afterward

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

• Before Procedure:
• Physical exam and rotator cuff injury test
• Discussion on risks, anesthesia and expectations
• Preoperative instructions and fasting guidelines
• During Procedure:
• Procedure lasts 1–2 hours depending on injury severity
• Performed under general or regional anesthesia
• Immediate post-surgery care in a recovery room
• After Procedure:
• Arm placed in a sling for several weeks
• Begin shoulder physical therapy to regain motion
• Gradual improvement in shoulder strength and function
• Recovery time varies; full healing can take several months

Risk and Potential Complications

• Infection or bleeding at incision site
• Stiffness or frozen shoulder post-surgery
• Re-tear of the rotator cuff in some cases
• Nerve damage (rare)
• Incomplete pain relief or shoulder weakness
• Blood clots (rare)
• Delayed healing due to smoking or diabetes

Results/Outcomes

• Most people regain full range of shoulder motion
• Rotator cuff pain significantly reduced or gone
• Successful return to work and physical activities
• Long-term improvement in shoulder function
• Better sleep and reduced pain at night
• Recurrence rate is low when post-op care is followed properly