Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive surgery that is used to repair a torn rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to keep the humerus (upper arm bone) in the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). A tear in the rotator cuff can cause pain, weakness, and loss of motion in the shoulder.

When to See a Specialist

If you are experiencing pain, weakness, or loss of motion in your shoulder, you should see a doctor to get a diagnosis. If the doctor determines that you have a torn rotator cuff, they may recommend arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Procedure

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be asleep during the surgery.

• The surgeon will make three small incisions in the shoulder. Through one incision, the surgeon will insert a small camera called an arthroscope. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to see inside the shoulder joint. Through the other two incisions, the surgeon will insert surgical instruments.

• The surgeon will use the arthroscope to assess the extent of the tear. If the tear is small, the surgeon may be able to repair it using sutures. If the tear is large, the surgeon may need to use a graft to repair it.

• Once the repair is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with stitches or staples.

Road to Recovery

After arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, you will need to wear a sling for a few weeks. You will also need to follow your doctor’s instructions for physical therapy.

The amount of time it takes to recover from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair varies from person to person. However, most people are able to return to their normal activities within 6 months.

Risk Management

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. These risks include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Nerve damage

• Muscle damage

• Scarring

Benefits of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair offers a number of benefits over traditional open surgery. These benefits include:

• Smaller incisions, which means less pain and a faster recovery

• Improved visualization of the shoulder joint, which allows the surgeon to perform a more precise repair

• Reduced risk of infection

• Shorter hospital stay

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff?

   The most common symptom of a torn rotator cuff is pain in the shoulder. The pain may be worse with overhead activities, such as reaching for something overhead or throwing a ball. Other symptoms may include weakness in the shoulder and loss of motion.

2. How is a torn rotator cuff diagnosed?

   A doctor can diagnose a torn rotator cuff by performing a physical examination and ordering imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI.

3. What are the treatment options for a torn rotator cuff?

   Treatment for a torn rotator cuff depends on the severity of the tear. In some cases, non-surgical treatment, such as physical therapy, may be enough to relieve pain and improve function. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.

4. What are the risks of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair?

   As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. These risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, muscle damage, and scarring.

5. How long does it take to recover from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair?

   The amount of time it takes to recover from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair varies from person to person. However, most people are able to return to their normal activities within 6 months.

   If you are experiencing pain, weakness, or loss of motion in your shoulder, you should see a doctor to get a diagnosis. If the doctor determines that you have a torn rotator cuff, they may recommend arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.