Rotator Cuff Surgery: What Do I Need to Know?

Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain and weakness, often requiring surgical intervention. Understanding the procedure, recovery, and long-term outcomes can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.

What is Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Rotator cuff surgery is a procedure that repairs torn tendons in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles/tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for shoulder joint to move in certain directions. When these tendons tear, it can lead to pain, weakness, and limited shoulder motion. Surgery can be recommended after an initial evaluation depending on the patient’s current function, size of tear, and expected recovery potential. For some patients, nonsurgical treatment can be an option. Not all patients will improve with nonsurgical treatment (like physical therapy, rest, and medication) and later elect to have rotator cuff repair surgery.

Types of Rotator Cuff Surgery

There are several surgical techniques used to repair a rotator cuff tear. The most common type is arthroscopic repair. This is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and a camera to reattach the tendon. This is the most common technique that Dr. Bayer at Advanced Orthopedics and Sport Medicine uses for her repairs. Some patients have more complex types of rotator cuff tears which can require a mini-open repair. This can be a combination of arthroscopic and open surgery, allowing for direct tendon repair that is less invasive than a full open repair. This is used less frequently than a standard arthroscopic repair and typically when better visualization of the tear is required to perform the procedure. Open repair is a more traditional surgery involving a larger shoulder incision to directly visualize and repair the tendon. This type of open surgery is rare with the current advancement of arthroscopic equipment and modern techniques.

Recovery Process and Rehabilitation

Recovery from rotator cuff surgery varies depending on the severity of the tear and the surgical method used. Initially the patient will wear a sling for the first several weeks to protect the shoulder while the tendons heal. You will typically start your first physical therapy session anywhere from 1-2 days postoperatively or as long as 1-2 weeks postoperatively. Your therapist will start with gentle passive exercises then progress as your tendons heal. As your range of motion improves over the first 1-2 months, your therapist will gradually add more range of motion exercises and light strengthening to your regiment. Most individuals focus on advanced strengthening exercises around 3-6 months postoperatively. Healing and near normal functionality differ based on the patient’s size and type of rotator cuff tear and can range from 4 to 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Surgery can be highly effective for those suffering from shoulder pain, weakness, and/or loss of function as result of a rotator cuff tear. While the recovery process requires time and dedication, the long-term benefits often outweigh the challenges.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain or recently diagnosed with a tear, Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is happy to assess your problem and determine if rotator cuff surgery is the right for you. Please contact us at 219-213-6630 or schedule an appointment online today at advanceorthoindiana.com.