The rotator cuff is a part of the shoulder that allows you to have a wide range of motion and stability. When this group of tendons and muscles becomes damaged, it can lead to pain, weakness, and limited mobility, often requiring surgical repair to restore function and alleviate discomfort.
At Southwest Shoulder, our orthopedics surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff injuries. We understand the impact that a rotator cuff injury can have on your daily life and are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you regain strength, mobility, and comfort in your shoulder.
Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
The Rotator Cuff
What Is
The Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their corresponding tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
They work together to provide stability and allow for a wide range of motion in the shoulder. The tendons of these muscles attach to the upper arm bone humerus, enabling the arm to lift and rotate.
The rotator cuff is essential for performing everyday tasks, such as reaching overhead, lifting objects, and engaging in sports. When functioning properly, the rotator cuff helps to keep the shoulder joint stable and centered in the socket, allowing for smooth and painless movement.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Superior Capsule Reconstruction
What Is
Rotator Cuff Repair?
Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure that can help fix a torn or damaged rotator cuff. The goal of the surgery is to reattach the torn tendon or tendons to the bone and restore function to the shoulder.
This procedure is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and injections, have been unable to provide relief or in the cases where the tear is severe.
What Happens
During Rotator Cuff Repair?
During rotator cuff repair surgery, you will likely be given general anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. There are different techniques orthopedic surgeons can use to repair a rotator cuff, such as open repair, arthroscopy, and mini-open repair.
The specific technique your orthopedic surgeon may choose to use during your procedure will depend on several factors, such as the size and location of the tear, the condition of the tendon tissue, and the unique structure of your shoulder.
In an open repair, your orthopedic surgeon will make a larger incision to directly access and repair the torn tendon. This approach is often used for bigger tears or when additional procedures are needed.
Arthroscopic repair involves making a small incision in the shoulder and using a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, and special tools to view and repair the damaged tendon. This less invasive approach is often preferred for smaller tears and can lead to less pain and quicker recovery times compared to open surgery.
A mini-open repair combines arthroscopic and open techniques. Regardless of which technique is used, the goal of rotator cuff repair is to securely reattach the torn tendon to the bone.
After the repair is finished, the shoulder is covered with a sterile bandage.
Your arm will be placed in a sling to protect the repaired tendon and help with healing in the early stages of recovery.
How Do I Know If I
Need Rotator Cuff Repair?
If you’ve been dealing with shoulder pain or weakness that hasn’t gotten better with non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medication, you might need rotator cuff repair surgery. Your doctor at Southwest Shoulder will perform an examination and review your medical history to determine if and when rotator cuff repair might be necessary.
Many people who need surgery will tell their doctor about pain at night and trouble using their arm for everyday activities like lifting and reaching.
You might be a good candidate for surgery if:
1
You’ve had symptoms for several months, even while limiting the use of your affected arm and trying non-surgical treatments.
2
You’re an active person who does a lot of overhead activities or plays sports like baseball, swimming, or tennis. Rotator cuff repair surgery might be needed to help you get back to your previous activity level.
3
You have a complete tear in your rotator cuff that happened suddenly because of an injury.
4
You have trouble moving your shoulder through its full range of motion, which makes it difficult to perform daily tasks.
If any of these apply to you, it’s important to talk to your orthopedic surgeon at Southwest Shoulder in El Paso, Texas, who specializes in shoulder problems. During your visit, your orthopedic surgeon will do a thorough exam of your shoulder, which might include taking X-rays or an MRI.
These tests help your orthopedic surgeon figure out how much damage there is and come up with the best treatment plan for you.
What Is Recovery Like
After Rotator Cuff Repair?
The recovery process after rotator cuff repair will vary from person to person, depending on the extent of the damage and their overall health. Immediately following the procedure, your arm will be placed in a sling to protect the repaired tendon and promote healing.
Your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help manage your discomfort during your recovery. They will also provide you with a list of instructions to follow to ensure a smooth and complete recovery.
Physical therapy is also a crucial component of the recovery process. In the initial weeks after the procedure, the focus will be on gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness.
Full recovery from rotator cuff repair can take several months, with most people experiencing significant improvement within four to six months after the procedure. However, it may take up to a year to regain full strength and range of motion.
Following the recommended rehabilitation plan and your orthopedic surgeon’s instructions after the procedure are essential for achieving the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to Get Started?
Do you want to learn more about rotator cuff repair or determine if this procedure may be right for you? Schedule an appointment at Southwest Shoulder in El Paso, TX, today!