Does orthopaedic surgery perform rotator cuff repair?

The rotator cuff is a group of shoulder tendons that help lift and rotate the arm. Repair surgery reattaches a torn tendon to the upper arm bone, often through small openings with a camera or through a larger approach when needed. Not every tear requires repair. The decision considers the tear's size and pattern, pain, weakness, activity needs, tissue quality, and whether physiotherapy or other treatment has helped. Shoulder symptoms can also arise from the neck, joint, or nearby tendons.

Bring any scan reports and explain how the shoulder affects dressing, reaching, sleep, work, or sport. Mention previous injuries, neck symptoms, diabetes, smoking, medicines, and earlier treatment. Ask how long the arm will need a sling, when assisted movement begins, and when strengthening is safe. Rehabilitation protects the repair while gradually restoring movement and power, so avoid lifting or testing the shoulder beyond the prescribed plan.

Seek urgent assessment after a major injury if the shoulder looks deformed, the arm cannot be moved, or the hand becomes numb, pale, cold, or weak. After repair, contact the surgical team for fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, uncontrolled pain, new hand weakness, or sudden swelling. Chest pain or breathlessness requires emergency help. These signs need direct evaluation rather than extra exercises.

What type of tear do I have, and is it repairable? What improvement is surgery intended to provide? Would arthroscopy be appropriate? How will pain be managed, and what are the stages for sling use, movement, driving, work, and strengthening?