Rotator Cuff
If you have a tear(s) in the rotator cuff or have severely injured the shoulder to the point where the rotator cuff is damaged, you may need surgery for a torn rotator cuff. This procedure typically involves cleaning any loose tendons and debris and repairing torn tendons. In some cases, your surgeon will use an arthroscopic technique instead of open-shoulder surgery.
Reasons to Undergo Rotator Cuff Surgery
Many patients who have damaged the rotator cuff through excessive exercise, carrying heavy weight loads, or after any type of accident need to come in for rotator cuff repair surgery. Some of the reasons to undergo this procedure include:
- A tear or trauma to the rotator cuff occurs after an accident or by a sudden injury
- Shoulder weakness
- Pain or weakness of the rotator cuff has failed to improve within six months of conservative treatments such as physical therapy.
How Rotator Cuff Repair is Performed
The surgeon will need to clean tendon debris, and bursa that have accumulated in the area where the rotator cuff moves. The procedure may also involve shaving or removing bone spurs around the shoulder blade. Torn edges of the supraspinatus tendon are sewn together and to the top of the upper arm bone to restore functioning of the shoulder.
Recovering from Rotator Cuff Surgery
Patients will need to wear a sling for a certain period of time after surgery. Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process after a rotator cuff repair procedure. Your doctor may encourage you to start doing exercises that extend the elbows and wrists right after you awaken from anesthesia. In some cases, a physical therapist or a machine can help to move the joint through its proper range of motion. Most patients can lift light weights after a few weeks before progressing to heavier weights to strengthen the shoulders and upper body.
Schedule your appointment for rotator cuff surgery in Las Vegas today.
