Is rotator cuff repair done with arthroscope?

An arthroscope is a slim camera placed through a small incision so the surgeon can view the shoulder joint and the space around the rotator cuff. Additional small openings allow instruments to remove inflamed tissue, smooth an area when needed and repair the tendon.

Some repairs are completed entirely through keyhole openings, while others use a small additional incision or a different technique. The choice can depend on tear size, tendon quality, bone shape, associated problems and whether the biceps or joint also needs treatment.

Before surgery, ask whether your tear is repairable, which approach is planned and what could make the surgeon change that plan. Afterward, protect the repair in the sling for the prescribed period, keep dressings dry as instructed and attend physiotherapy when cleared.

Early rehabilitation commonly protects tendon healing before progressing to gentle movement and later strengthening. Do not test shoulder strength, lift overhead or return to throwing simply because the small skin wounds look healed.

Contact the surgical team urgently for fever, increasing redness or drainage, uncontrolled pain, sudden swelling, new hand weakness, persistent numbness, blue or unusually cold fingers, chest pain or breathlessness. A fall or sudden pulling event while the arm is protected also deserves prompt advice.

Ask how the tendon will be secured, whether a small open incision may be needed, how long the sling is expected, which movements are restricted, and what milestones must be met before driving, work or sport.