Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone, and it helps to rotate and stabilize the shoulder joint. When the rotator cuff is damaged, it can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder.

Rotator cuff treatment is necessary to relieve pain and restore proper function to the shoulder. Without treatment, the damage can worsen over time and potentially lead to a more severe injury, such as a complete tear of the rotator cuff. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, rest, and in more severe cases, surgery.

Need to know

What happens during surgery?

During rotator cuff surgery, you will receive anaesthesia to put you to sleep. Then, your surgeon will make small incisions in the skin around your shoulder and insert an arthroscope, which is a small camera used to identify the damaged parts of the rotator cuff. Next, tiny surgical instruments will be inserted through the incisions to remove or loosen tissue, and any necessary bone will be shaved off. Torn tendons may be joined to the bone using anchors and sutures. The entire procedure usually lasts between 45 minutes and one hour.

How to prepare?

Prior to the surgery, our priority is to ensure your comfort. The surgeon will explain the procedure, its associated risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have. Your doctor will provide instructions on medications that need to be stopped or taken before the surgery.

You will also receive guidelines on eating and drinking before the surgery. It is important to have a clean shoulder area, so we recommend showering or bathing before the procedure. On the day of the surgery, you will have time to ask any questions you may have to the surgeon.

After Rotator Cuff surgery?

After the surgery, patients typically spend one night in the hospital before being discharged the following day. The recovery period is lengthy, and it usually takes up to nine months for a complete recovery.

Although the repaired rotator cuff tendons initially heal within six weeks, it may take up to three months for them to firmly attach to the bone and up to nine months for complete healing. Following the surgery, you may need to wear a sling for a few weeks to protect your shoulder as it heals. During the healing process, most patients experience some degree of soreness and pain over several months, which can be managed with painkillers prescribed by your doctor.

Working with a physiotherapist can aid in the strengthening of the shoulder, recovery of range of motion, and speed up the recovery process. Within six months, most patients can resume their daily activities.