Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Shoulder Pain Treatments

What is Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?

A Rotator Cuff Repair is a surgical procedure that is used to repair a partially or completely torn rotator cuff. The goal of this procedure is to repair the torn tendons using small sutures to create strength and stability in the tendon. Once the sutures are put in place, small anchors are used to reattach the tendon to its original position within the shoulder joint.

A Rotator Cuff Repair was performed for many years as an open incision procedure but, at OSS Health, modern surgical techniques allow the overwhelming majority of Rotator Cuff Repairs to now to be performed arthroscopically using a small surgical camera and small surgical tools.

The Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons at OSS Health have performed thousands of Rotators Cuff Repairs and are experts in this procedure.

How is Rotator Cuff Repair Performed at OSS Health?

In most cases, Rotator Cuff Repair is performed as an outpatient procedure by the Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons at OSS Health.

During a Rotator Cuff Repair procedure the following steps are performed:

  1. Incision. Two to three tiny incisions are made and an arthroscopic camera and shaver device are passed through them.
  2. Tendon preparation. Pieces of damaged tendon, cartilage, and bone are smoothed.
  3. Tendon reattachment. Suture anchors attach the torn tendon to the bone and repair torn tendon ends.

Incisions are carefully closed and covered with dressings and the patient is placed in a comfortable sling

Total procedure time is usually less than 1 hour and most patients are able to return home the same day as their procedure. Physical Therapy is an important part of recovery as it helps improve stability in the shoulder as well as increase range of motion.