A rotator cuff repair is a surgery to repair damage to the rotator cuff.
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles in the shoulder and upper arm. Their main job is to move the arm in a circular motion. The muscles are connected to the shoulder bone by tendons, which are strong, flexible cords. Tendons may become damaged from chronic misuse or injury.
- Shoulder and upper arm
-
Rotator cuff muscles
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Subscapularis
- Teres minor
- A rotator cuff injury which does not respond to conservative treatment.
-
A complete
tear
in the tendon.
- Chronic pain and weakness from a partial tear in the tendon.
There are no risk factors known to complicate this procedure.
In the days leading up to the procedure:
-
Do not take
aspirin
or other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as
Ibuprofen
) for one week before surgery, unless told otherwise by your doctor. You may also need to stop taking blood-thinning medications. Examples include
clopidogrel
(Plavix),
warfarin
(Coumadin), or
ticlopidine
(Ticlid). Talk to your doctor.
- Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before surgery.
- Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
On the day of the procedure:
- Remove contact lenses and jewelry
-
You may have the following:
You will be given an IV line for medications and anesthesia.
There are two methods used to perform a rotator cuff repair:
The surgeon makes a large incision over the shoulder. The torn tendon is mended and reattached and/or anchored with stitches. The incision is then closed with stitches or staples.
A small incision is made in the shoulder, and a narrow, tubular instrument called an arthroscope is inserted. The arthroscope is equipped with a tiny camera and the surgeon uses small instruments inserted through very small incisions. The surgeon performs the procedure while watching live images of the surgery on a monitor. This procedure is usually performed when there is a small tear.
- The incision will be bandaged to prevent infection.
- Your arm will be placed in a sling to prevent movement.
After the procedure, be sure to follow your doctor's
instructions
.
The surgery takes about 1 ½-2 hours.
Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You may have some discomfort immediately after.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Reaction to prescribed medication
- Scarring within the shoulder joint
- The operation does not provide the desired improvement in function
You could go home the same day, some may need to stay 1 day.
- Use ice to reduce swelling during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
- Take the full doses of all medications prescribed.
- Keep the bandage clean and dry at all times.
- Do not use the arm until after the sling has been removed.
- Follow instructions for physical therapy. Therapy is essential to regain shoulder strength and range of motion.
After a successful rotator cuff repair, you should expect relief from pain. At least an 80% to 90% of motion should return.
The rotator cuff will take several months to heal. It may take up to six months before you can raise your arm above your shoulder, and up to one year before you can hold your arm above your head and do work with reasonable strength. An aggressive and consistent postsurgical exercise program is the key to an accelerated recovery.
Unless your job requires heavy lifting, you can usually return to work within a few days after surgery.
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
- The stitches or staples come apart
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.
Copyright © 2004 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
