Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff repair is a surgery used to fix one or more torn tendons in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that help hold the top of your arm bone in the shoulder socket. It also helps you lift, reach, and rotate your arm.

When these tendons tear from an injury or from wear and tear over time, it can cause strong pain, weakness, and trouble lifting your arm. This can make everyday tasks harder, whether you are working, driving, or doing chores at home.

How Rotator Cuff Repair Works

Most rotator cuff repairs today are done with shoulder arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgery. In some cases, a small open incision may be needed for larger or more complex tears.

Clearing the Space

The surgeon may remove bone spurs from the underside of the acromion, which is the top part of the shoulder. These bone spurs can rub against the tendon and cause more damage.

Preparing the Bone

The surgeon cleans the area on the upper arm bone where the tendon used to attach. This creates a fresh surface so the tendon can heal properly.

Inserting Suture Anchors

Small anchor devices are placed into the bone. These anchors hold strong stitches that will be used to secure the tendon.

Reattaching the Tendon

The surgeon threads the stitches through the torn tendon, pulls it back into place, and ties it down securely. Over time, the tendon slowly heals back into the bone.

Types of Rotator Cuff Repair

  • Arthroscopic Repair: Done through a few small openings using a camera. This is the most common type because it causes less damage to the surrounding tissue.
  • Mini-Open Repair: Uses arthroscopy first, then a small incision to repair the tendon directly.
  • Open Repair: Uses a larger incision and is usually reserved for very large or complex tears.

Why Rotator Cuff Surgery May Be Needed

Surgery may be recommended when shoulder pain and weakness do not improve with rest, physical therapy, or steroid injections. It may be a good option if:

  • Your symptoms have lasted 6 to 12 months without getting better.
  • You have a large tear or a complete tear.
  • Your shoulder weakness is getting worse.
  • The injury happened suddenly, such as from a fall, accident, or sports injury.

Recovery Takes Time

Rotator cuff healing is slow because tendons do not have a strong blood supply. Recovery takes patience and follow-up care.

The First 4 to 6 Weeks

You will usually need to wear a sling most of the time, even while sleeping. During this stage, you should not lift, carry, or reach with the surgical arm. Physical therapy may begin with passive motion, where the therapist or your other hand moves the arm for you.

Weeks 6 to 12

The sling is often removed during this stage. You will start using your own muscles to move the arm and work on getting your range of motion back. Heavy lifting is still not allowed.

Months 3 to 6

Strengthening exercises usually begin during this time. These exercises help rebuild shoulder strength after surgery.

What to Expect Over Time

Many people can return to light daily activities by about 3 months. But full recovery for heavy labor, overhead work, or sports often takes 6 months or longer. For people in Memphis, Shelby County, and DeSoto County who work physical jobs or stay active, following the recovery plan is important for the best result.