Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure to fix a torn tendon in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A tear in the rotator cuff can result from an injury, wear and tear over time, or a combination of both.

Rotator cuff repair is usually recommended when conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medications fail to relieve symptoms of a torn rotator cuff.

There are two main surgical approaches to rotator cuff repair: open repair and arthroscopic repair. Arthroscopic repair is less invasive and typically results in quicker recovery times. Your surgeon will evaluate and suggest the best procedure for you. During the surgery, the surgeon reattaches the tendon to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) using sutures or small anchors. This restores the tendon's function and helps improve shoulder strength and range of motion.

Recovery from rotator cuff repair surgery can take several months. Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process to help restore strength and flexibility to the shoulder.