Rotator Cuff Tears
Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). A partial tear, however, may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. A complete tear is repaired by stitching the tendon back to its original site on the humerus.
The three techniques most commonly used for rotator cuff repair.
- Open Repair-During an open repair, the surgeon typically removes bone spurs from the underside of the acromion. An open repair may be a good option if the tear is large or complex or if additional reconstruction, such as a tendon transfer, is indicated.
- All-Arthroscopic Repair-All-arthroscopic repair is usually an outpatient procedure and is the least invasive method to repair a torn rotator cuff.
- Mini-Open Repair-The mini-open repair uses newer technology and instruments to perform a repair through a small incision. The incision is typically 3 to 5 cm long.
After rotator cuff surgery, a small percentage of patients experience complications.
- Nerve injury
- Infection
- Deltoid detachment
- Tendon re-tear
Rehabilitation plays a vital role in getting you back to your daily activities.
- At first, the repair needs to be protected while the tendon heals. To keep your arm from moving, you will most likely use a sling and avoid using your arm for the first 4 to 6 weeks.
- A therapist will help you with passive exercises to improve range of motion in your shoulder.
- Moving your muscles on your own will gradually increase your strength and improve your arm control.