Rotator Cuff Repair Specialist

Why would I need a rotator cuff repair?

Your rotator cuff is a network of muscles and tendons that come together in your shoulder to support and stabilize your shoulder while also facilitating the joint’s incredible range of motion. 

As a result of its role, your rotator cuff is vulnerable to various acute and repetitive use injuries, such as tendonitis and rotator cuff tears. Tendonitis is usually a repetitive use injury that leads to painful inflammation and a reduced range of motion. 

A rotator cuff tear can develop over time or occur rapidly during an accident, such as falling on the arm or lifting something heavy. A dislocated shoulder can also result in a rotator cuff tear. 

What are the available rotator cuff repair options?

If your shoulder pain disrupts your sleep, prevents you from completing your regular daily activities, and doesn’t get better with other noninvasive treatments, you may need a rotator cuff repair procedure.

At Pro Sports and Elite Rehab, the board-certified orthopaedic surgeons offer minimally invasive arthroscopic and traditional open rotator cuff repairs. Your surgeon recommends the procedure best suited to address your specific needs. 

What should I expect during rotator cuff repair?

Most rotator cuff repairs are outpatient procedures, which means you don’t need to stay overnight in the hospital. You have anesthesia during your procedure to ensure you sleep comfortably through the operation.

During arthroscopy, your surgeon makes a few small incisions in your shoulder and inserts an arthroscope — a thin tube with a camera and light on its tip. 

The arthroscope sends images from inside your shoulder to a video monitor so your surgeon can see inside your shoulder without a large incision. Then, they insert additional surgical instruments through the small incisions to complete the rotator cuff repair. 

If your surgeon recommends an open surgery, they make a larger incision to reveal your shoulder joint before completing the repairs. 

What should I expect after rotator cuff repair?

A friend or family member should drive you home after your rotator cuff repair. The anesthesia leaves you sleepy, and you won’t be able to move your arm or shoulder. 

Your surgeon provides a sling to stabilize your arm and shoulder and prescribes medicine to manage pain and prevent infection. They schedule physical therapy to help keep your shoulder supple while you recover, then to rebuild your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. 

Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend your follow-up appointments to keep your recovery on track. 

Call Pro Sports and Elite Rehab today or make an appointment online if you need expert rotator cuff repair.