Common questions

What is a mini rotator cuff repair?

What is a mini 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. An open incision may be needed if the damage is severe.

How long does it take to recover from minor rotator cuff surgery?

During your recovery period, you will work with your physical therapist to regain motion and strengthen the area. The rotator cuff surgery recovery timeline can vary case by case, but a full recovery typically takes four to six months. It may take longer than that to return to heavy lifting.

What is open rotator cuff repair?

During Open Rotator Cuff Repair, a surgical incision is made the large muscle is moved out the way to do the surgery. Open Rotator Cuff Repair is done for large or more complex tears. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder joint.

Can a small rotator cuff tear heal on its own?

Even though most tears cannot heal on their own, good function can often be achieved without surgery. If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because many tears will not heal without surgery.

Is open rotator cuff surgery an outpatient procedure?

The primary goal of surgery is to reduce shoulder pain, with a secondary goal to restore shoulder function. Most rotator cuff surgeries are outpatient, meaning the patient is not required to stay in the hospital or surgical center overnight.

How do they repair a torn rotator cuff?

Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). A partial tear, however, may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. A complete tear is repaired by stitching the tendon back to its original site on the humerus.

How long is pain after rotator cuff surgery?

Most people are in pain after surgery for up to two weeks. You likely will get a prescription for pain narcotics after surgery. Among the greatest concerns with a rotator cuff repair work is that the tendon will retear.

Do I need a rotator cuff repair?

If your rotator cuff is injured, you may need to repair it surgically . This may include shaving off bone spurs that are pinching the shoulder, or repairing torn tendons or muscles in the shoulder. Surgical techniques that may be used to repair a tear of the rotator cuff include arthroscopy, open surgery, or a combination of both.

How painful is rotator cuff surgery?

During surgery, patients are asleep and do not remember the procedure. According to the Anesthesia Manual of Surgical Procedures, pain from Rotator Cuff surgery is rated at 6 out of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain.

Is it normal to have pain after rotator cuff surgery?

This observation is supported by a study showing that in patients who have had rotator cuff surgery, strength in the shoulder muscles is not fully recovered until nine months after the surgery. As a result, it is normal to expect some continued symptoms of pain or soreness after rotator cuff surgery for several months.