Rotator Cuff Surgery
Description
If you’re experiencing dull pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in your shoulder, you may have a rotator cuff injury.
What Makes Up The Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff includes the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint. These tissues can tear, especially if you have a job that requires a lot of overhead movement, or you play shoulder-heavy sports like tennis or baseball. If you require Rotator Cuff Surgery, our sports medicine physicians can help you regain full range of motion and shoulder strength.
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Rotator Cuff Surgery
What is Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Ortho ONE surgeons perform three types of Rotator Cuff Surgery:
- mini open supraspinatus tendon-to-bone insertion
- arthroscopic using a small camera and a series of small incisions
- mini open rotator cuff repair
With any type of Rotator Cuff Surgery, your surgeon will inspect the injury site, sometimes using a small camera called an arthroscope. The surgeon will clear or debride any loose fragments of tendon before suturing it to the bone
This surgery repairs a tear of the rotator cuff in your shoulder. The rotator cuff is group of muscles and tendons. It holds the head of the humerus in the shoulder socket.
Post-Surgical Recovery Process
When the procedure is complete, the openings in your skin are closed. Your arm may be placed in a sling. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to help your recovery. As your shoulder heals, you may benefit from physical therapy.
Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Right For you?
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, you lie on your back. You are anesthetized. The surgeon makes a few small openings in your skin. An arthroscopic camera is inserted through one of the openings. This lighted camera displays a video image on a monitor. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other openings.
Correcting Issues
Your surgeon carefully inspects your shoulder. If loose fragments of tendon or other debris are found, they are removed. Your surgeon may also remove bone from the underside of the acromion (a bony projection of the scapula). This will prevent the acromion from pinching the rotator cuff.
Repairing the Tear
Next, the surgeon repairs the tear. A tear can be repaired in several different ways. Your surgeon may use sutures, anchors or other devices, depending on your needs. If your rotator cuff is severely torn, your surgeon may need to make a small incision in your skin during this part of the procedure.
