Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is a group of flexible, tough muscles and tendons in the shoulder that hold the bones of the shoulder together. Damage to the rotator cuff can occur from overuse, muscle injury, or degenerative conditions and causes a loss in the range of motion in the shoulder and severe pain. Most tears can be fixed arthroscopically through a minimally invasive procedure, however, with the use of the arthroscopic camera, your surgeon will be able to determine if additional surgery is needed. While there are a variety of methods to repair a damaged rotator cuff, an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is the least invasive. Your surgeon will create three or four tiny incision in the shoulder to insert the arthroscopic camera and small instruments used to help examine the damage. Any loose debris or small bone spurs pinching the tendon will be removed as the surgeon cleans the tendon for reattachment. The top of the humerus is cleared and two small holes are drilled for the anchors. The tear in the tendon is stitched and pulled tightly towards the humerus. The stitches are then attached to the two anchors placed in the top of the humerus. Overtime, the rotator cuff tendons will heal and reattach to the humerus returning the muscle to its former structure. Your arm will be placed in a sling during the initial recovery period. An arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive surgery and, in most cases, is successful at returning range of motion and stability to the shoulder.