How does rotator cuff repair work?

The surgeon examines the shoulder and may use an arthroscope, a slender camera inserted through small openings. Damaged tissue can be cleared, and the torn tendon is brought back toward its attachment on the upper-arm bone. Suture anchors placed in bone hold strong stitches that secure the tendon while it heals.

The decision to repair depends on the tear, tendon quality, symptoms, strength, activity needs and examination. Musculoskeletal MRI may help show the tendon and surrounding structures before treatment. Shoulder Weakness is a common reason people seek assessment, but weakness can have several causes.

A sling may protect the shoulder at first. Early rehabilitation usually concentrates on hand, wrist and elbow movement and carefully guided shoulder motion. Later phases add active movement and strengthening when healing allows. Do not lift, push, pull or remove the sling outside the agreed plan. Attend Post-Operative Rehabilitation visits so exercises can progress safely.

Contact the surgical team for increasing pain, wound redness, drainage, fever, new numbness, marked swelling or a sudden loss of movement. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain or a hand that becomes cold or changes colour.

Ask how large or repairable the tear is, what the anchors and stitches will do, how long the sling is needed, and when passive, active and strengthening exercises can begin.