The rotator cuff in the shoulder consists of four different muscles and tendons that work together to stabilize the upper arm bone (humerus) in the shoulder socket. These muscles and tendons can become injured or torn due to overuse, aging or a sudden injury from a fall or collision.
Sometimes, people require surgery to regain use of their affected shoulder.
Keep reading to find out about shoulder surgeries that repair rotator cuffs and what recovery can look like.
What Is the Rotator Cuff andWhat Does It Do?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing arm stability and allowing for a wide range of motion. These muscles lift and rotate the arm, making it possible to perform everyday tasks such as reaching overhead, lifting, pushing, or brushing your hair.
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles – the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Tendons attach these muscles to the head of the upper arm bone, or humerus. Each muscle has its own specific function, but they all work together to ensure proper 360-degree movement of the shoulder joint.
When one or more of these muscles or tendons become frayed or torn, you may experience pain, weakness, and stiffness in the affected arm. Patients say that they sometimes hear a snapping noise and experience sharp, sudden pain when they injure their rotator cuffs, particularly when a tear has occurred.
What Is Rotator Cuff Repair?
Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure used to fix tears or damage to this important group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint. Orthopedic specialists may recommend this corrective surgery when non-surgical treatments, such as a program of physical therapy, fail to provide adequate symptom relief.
There are several surgical techniques for rotator cuff repair, each with its own benefits and potential risks. After a complete diagnostic work-up at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, you and your orthopedic surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for surgery and what technique would work best for your individual needs and therapeutic goals.
What Are Some Surgical Techniques for Rotator Cuff Repair?
Arthroscopic Surgery
Today’s most common approach to rotator cuff repair is arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery involves small incisions around the shoulder joint. A tiny camera affixed to a lighted scope shows the surgeon where the joint damage is. In addition, the surgeonmakes another small incision opposite of one with the scope to insert tiny surgical instruments with which they repair the rotator cuff.
During arthroscopic shoulder surgery, your surgeon may:
- Remove damaged tissue from a frayed tendon or muscle
- Reattach a torn tendon to the bone
- Remove bone spurs which sometimes form at the tip of the shoulder blade
Open Rotator Cuff Repair
When the tear is too severe for arthroscopic surgery, an open surgical procedure may be necessary. Open rotator cuff repair involves a larger incision which allows direct access to the damaged tissue.
This approach may be recommended if multiple tendons are torn or if a large portion of a tendon has detached from the bone. Your surgeon will discuss which technique would be most beneficial based on your specific condition.
Mini-open Surgery
Another less common option is mini-open surgery, which combines elements of both arthroscopic and open procedures. A small incision is made to insert the camera and surgical tools, but a larger incision may also be needed for better visibility and manipulation of tissues.
What Is Recovery from Rotator Cuff Repair Like?
Recovery from any orthopedic procedure takes some weeks to months, depending on the kind of procedure you have. Arthroscopic surgery may take four to six weeks for you to return to your usual daily activities. However, if you had open surgery for a large tear, recovery may take four to six months.
During the first few weeks after surgery, you will wear a sling, keeping your arm immobilized to minimize discomfort and to optimize healing. Physical therapy is crucial as it helps regain any muscle tone lost when resting your arm. It also prevents your shoulder joint from scarring down so that you can regain a normal range of motion. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises which target specific muscles around the shoulder joint.
It is essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding pain management and activity restrictions during recovery. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage pain. Regular icing of the surgical site generally is recommended, too.
Shoulder Surgery in Lutherville, MD
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our top-notch orthopedic surgeons understand the intricacies of shoulder issues. They offer the finest and most accurate assessments and develop care plans which feature both operative and non-operative solutions.
If you think you have a problem with your rotator cuff, please contact us at (410) 296-6232 for a consultation with one of our skilled orthopedic surgeons. You also may request an appointment here. We have locations in Lutherville, Pasadena, Clarksville, Westminster and Bel Air, MD. We look forward to talking with you soon.
