WHAT IS ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR?

The Rotator Cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that together help rotate the shoulder. If one or more of the muscles or tendons is torn, surgery may be required.

REASON FOR THE PROCEDURE

Injury or a lifetime of use may lead to muscle or tendon tears. This can cause stabbing pain that is worse at night, weakness and loss of arm function. If the pain is not relieved by exercise, medications or injections, Rotator Cuff Repair may be required.

THE PROCEDURE

Using minimally invasive techniques, your Esse Health Orthopedic Surgeon will make a small one to two-inch incision at the site, and the torn muscle or tendon is sewn together and repaired. The procedure is outpatient. Patients wear a sling for 12-24 hours and then begin motion of the shoulder. Healing takes four weeks, and full recovery may take eight to twelve weeks.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS, AND COMPLICATIONS

Surgical risks may include reaction to the anesthesia and infection at the surgical site. Complications are rare. Patient exercises and physical therapy are required after surgery to prevent stiffness and a frozen shoulder.