Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder. The rotator cuff connects the upper arm to the shoulder blade, providing stability to the shoulder and allowing the shoulder to rotate. Wear and tear or an injury can tear a tendon in the rotator cuff. This may be treated with nonsurgical treatment first, such as ice and pain relievers. If these measures don’t give you relief, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss rotator cuff surgery.

A rotator cuff repair is usually performed with arthroscopic surgery. This is minimally invasive surgery. Your surgeon inserts a scope into the shoulder joint through a small incision. In a few cases, more extensive open-shoulder surgery is needed.

Immediately after rotator cuff repair surgery, you will receive pain medications. Ideally, as soon as you awake from anesthesia, a health care provider will help you flex and extend your elbow, wrist, and hands. Your surgeon will prescribe a sling to be worn for a certain period. You will also need to undergo physical therapy treatments for up to eight weeks. You will also perform shoulder strengthening exercises at home.