Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
This surgical procedure is used to inspect and reattach torn tendons in the shoulder's rotator cuff. The initial part of the surgery is performed arthroscopically through small tubes. Learn more about arthroscopic rotator cuff repair protocol, risks, and recovery. Schedule an appointment with a Resurgens shoulder physician today.
What You Need To Know About Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
What is Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair — also called rotator cuff tear arthropathy — is an outpatient procedure that aims to restore movement and reduce pain in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is responsible for keeping the ball of your upper arm bone (or humerus) in the shoulder socket. These mechanics allow you to raise and rotate the arm freely within the joint. People with degenerative shoulder arthritis or who have experienced direct trauma to the shoulder are candidates for rotator cuff arthropathy.
A damaged rotator cuff can severely affect your lifestyle and make it difficult to participate in daily activities. Get moving again by scheduling an appointment with the shoulder specialists at Resurgens.
Why is Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Performed?
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is recommended for patients who have been previously struggling with pain or mobility issues due to a damaged rotator cuff. Your Resurgens physician will only recommend surgery if the injury is not improving with physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments. If the torn rotator cuff is diminishing your quality of life, getting an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may help restore function in the shoulder.
Rotator cuff arthropathy may be a good option if you have:
Direct trauma to the rotator cuff
Bone spurs or inflammation around the rotator cuff
Severe shoulder pain for more than 6 months
Shoulder instability
Limited mobility
How to Prepare for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Procedure
Being well-prepared for a rotator cuff tear arthropathy can help aid the healing process and improve the final result. Before getting your arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, your Resurgens physician will talk to you about how to prepare for the procedure. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle, what medications you are taking, and what steps you can take to have your procedure and recovery go smoothly.
It's important to enlist someone to help you after your procedure. Ask for someone to transport you before and after your procedure. Daily activities like cooking, housework, or getting dressed are difficult following an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. You will probably need someone to help you with these tasks for about six weeks following your surgery.
What Happens During an Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Procedure?
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is a relatively common procedure. During surgery, you will be fully anesthetized and will not feel pain. An arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery generally follows this workflow:
You will be admitted to a facility where we will check your vital signs.
A specialist will administer anesthesia.
Once you reach a twilight state, the surgeon will make a small incision in the shoulder. They will then insert a small camera called an arthroscope into your shoulder, which will allow the surgeon to see what needs to be repaired.
The surgeon will use sutures to reattach torn muscles and tendons back where they belong. They will also remove tissue that is too damaged to repair.
When the surgery is complete, the incisions will be mended, and your arm is placed in a sling. You will then be relocated to a recovery room where you will be observed while you regain consciousness.
Are There Risks Associated with Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?
As with any procedure, rotator cuff tear arthropathy has some associated risks. Complications of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may include:
Nerve injury
Infection
Permanent limited motion or stiffness
Re-tearing of the repaired tissue
Post-Surgical & Recovery
The length of an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair recovery will vary depending on the severity of the procedure. It usually takes about six weeks for the patient to resume normal function and daily activities.
Directly after the surgery, your arm will be placed in a sling to immobilize the shoulder. The day after surgery, you will begin a passive exercise program under the supervision of a physical therapist. Physical therapy will help you regain strength and range of motion in your rotator cuff.
Shoulder pain can diminish your quality of life and interfere with daily activities. Schedule an appointment with the shoulder experts at Resurgens Orthopaedics now!