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Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder. It helps keep the shoulder steady and allows you to move your arm. A rotator cuff injury can happen from a sudden fall or from doing the same shoulder movements repeatedly. As people get older, the tendons can also wear down and tear more easily. Rotator cuff repair is a treatment to fix the tear, ease pain, and improve shoulder movement.

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Overview

What is Rotator Cuff Repair?

Rotator Cuff Repair is a surgery to fix a torn tendon in the shoulder. This surgery can be done in two ways, which include a large cut (open repair) or with small cuts using a camera (arthroscopic repair). The main aim of the procedure is to reduce pain, restore strength, and improve shoulder movement.

  • Grade 1 Sprain: The ligament is slightly damaged. It is stretched a bit, but still keeps the knee joint stable.
  • Grade 2 Sprain: The ligament is stretched more and becomes loose. This is called a partial tear.
  • Grade 3 Sprain: The ligament is fully torn or pulled off the bone. The knee joint becomes unstable.

What is Rotator Cuff Damage?

Rotator cuff damage happens when these tendons or muscles are injured. Ongoing shoulder pain, limited movement of the arm, and weakness in the shoulder muscles. Types of Rotator Cuff Damage are as follows

  • Strains or tears in the rotator cuff.
  • Inflammation of the bursa (bursitis).
  • Inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis).

Need for Rotator Cuff Repair

Here are the common reasons for which the need for rotator cuff repair arises:

  • The need for surgery arises when the shoulder tendons are badly damaged or torn.
  • Surgery is needed at the time of the injury that happens suddenly (a fall or an accident) or over time (repetitive movements and aging).
  • Athletes and workers who use their shoulders often are at higher risk.
  • Common issues include:
    • Tendon tears
    • Shoulder bursitis (inflammation of the fluid sac)
    • Tendonitis (inflamed tendons)
  • In case non-surgical treatments like rest, medicines, exercises, or steroid injections do not work effectively.

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Problems

To find out if the patient has a rotator cuff problem, the doctor can suggest any of the following diagnostic measures:

  • Match the Symptoms: Ask about symptoms such as pain, weakness, or trouble moving the shoulder.
  • Physica Test: Do a physical test such as checking shoulder strength, movement, and painful spots.
  • Imaging Test: Recommend imaging tests if needed, such as:
    • X-ray: Helps to look for bone problems.
    • Ultrasound: Helps to see the tendons and muscles.
    • MRI scan: Gives clear pictures of tears or other damage in the rotator cuff.

Treatment Options

To effectively treat the rotator cuff problem, it is crucial to understand the severity of the issue. In case of a mild issue, rely upon medication and general tips from the doctor. And in case of a severe rotator cuff problem, get the surgery.

1 Rotator Cuff Treatment for Mild Pain

Here are the treatments to cure mild rotator cuff pain for the patients:

  • Rest and Activity Changes: Avoid movements that worsen pain.
  • Medications: The Doctor may advise taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen).
  • Physical Therapy: There are some exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve movement.
  • Steroid injections: Some injections are also used to reduce pain and swelling.

2 Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

Rotator Cuff Surgery is one of the treatment options available for rotator cuff problems. Two major surgeries available for the rotator cuff repair are:

Rotator Cuff Repair Arthroscopic Surgery

  • The surgeon uses a tiny camera (arthroscope) and small instruments inserted through small cuts.
  • The camera shows the inside of the shoulder on a screen. And, it allows the surgeon to guide the repair.
  • This method does not require cutting through muscles, so recovery is usually quick.
  • It is the least invasive and usually a same-day procedure.

Open Rotate Cuff Repair Surgery

  • The surgeon makes a larger cut on the shoulder to see the torn tendon directly.
  • This method is used for large or complex tears. Also, at times when other shoulder problems (like bone spurs or tendon transfers) need to be fixed at the same time.
  • Sometimes, a mini-open repair is used, which combines small cuts with modern tools.

Rotator Cuff Repair Operation Recovery Time

The time period consumed by the rotator cuff to heal depends upon the severity of the issue and the complexity of the surgery. Repair itself means fixing a torn tendon or muscle in the rotator cuff.

Timeframe Advice for Patients
Weeks 1 to 6
(Passive Motion)		 The arm was kept in a sling. Focus on pain and swelling control with ice and medicines.
Weeks 6 to 12
(Active Motion)		 Start physical therapy to move the arm gently and limit hand use. Avoid lifting or pushing heavy objects.
Months 3 to 6
(Strengthening) 		Begin strengthening exercises to build shoulder and arm muscles.
Months 6 to 12+
(Full Activity)		 Patients can slowly return to daily activities, sports, and full movement.

How can We Help with Rotator Cuff Repair?

Along with detecting and treating other joint problems, we also provide surgical services to our patients. You can visit us for reliable and personalised medical services related to bones (including joints).

With technologically equipped machines and advanced knowledge, we assure safety, guidance, and care to our patients. We also work closely with rehabilitation experts to help restore movement and strength after treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Rotator cuff repair is a surgery to fix torn tendons in the shoulder. It helps to reduce pain, improve strength, and restore movement.

Rotator cuff repair arthroscopic surgery is a less invasive process where the doctor uses a small camera and tiny instruments through small cuts. This method is more popular because it offers faster healing and less pain than open surgery.

Rotator cuff repair surgery can be done in two ways: open surgery (larger cut to see the tendon directly) or arthroscopic surgery (using small cuts and a camera). Both aim to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.

During the operation, the surgeon reattaches the torn tendon to the shoulder bone. If needed, then other issues like bone spurs or tendon problems can also be fixed in the same procedure.

The physical therapy protocol usually follows four stages, which are as follows:
  • Weeks 1 to 6: Arm in a sling, focus on pain control.
  • Weeks 6 to 12: Start gentle movement (active motion).
  • Months 3 to 6: Begin strengthening exercises.
  • Months 6 to 12+: Return to daily activities and sports.

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