5 Important Facts About Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Your rotator cuff is a set of four muscles that support and stabilize your shoulder. When you rotate your upper arm and raise your arms above shoulder level, it is your rotator cuff at work.

Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injury refers to damage of any of these muscles or tendons which connect them to the bones of the shoulder joint.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries may be as simple as inflammation of the tendon or as complex as a major tear to multiple tendons. Such injuries are often the result of repetitive strain, overuse or direct trauma. Repeated, prolonged heavy lifting, repetitive overhead movements as in swimming and bone spurs can cause rotator cuff injuries.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries cause –
·        pain while raising and lowering your arm
·        weakness in the affected shoulder and arm
·        pain worsens when you’re resting
·        a ‘popping’ sensation when you move your shoulder

The symptoms may become worse if –
·        You are carrying a bag on your shoulder or in your arm
·        You sleep on the affected side
·        You hold your arm in the same position for too long, especially in front of you, for example, moving your hand on the mouse while working at a computer
·        You hold heavy things for a long period, such as a bag of grocery

Rotator Cuff Surgery
If treated early, rotator cuff injuries may not require surgery.  Surgery is recommended in serious cases.

There are different types of rotator cuff repair surgeries. Your shoulder surgeon will recommend the best procedure for your unique injury or condition.

Arthroscopic repair is a minimally invasive rotator cuff surgery. The surgery is done with the help of an arthroscope, a tube with a camera at the end, which is inserted into the joint through a small incision. This camera transmits a detailed view of the inside of the joint to a screen helping the surgeon look into the joint without making large incisions or detaching muscles. Once the arthroscope is in, small surgical tools are inserted through other small incisions to make the necessary repairs.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure. Since this is a minimally invasive surgery, it presents fewer risks than an open shoulder surgery.

Recovery After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?
While there are individual differences in recovery, most patients recover after an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair within a few months. Your arm is kept immobilized after the surgery and you undergo an intensive physical therapy program within a few weeks after surgery. Most patients regain a functional range of motion and enough strength within 4 to 6 months after surgery.

If you are looking for an experienced shoulder doctor, call the top shoulder surgeon and sports medicine doctor in Gilbert, AZ, at OSPI Arizona at 480-899-4333. OSPI’s Board Certified orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience and expertise in sports medicine, general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.