What Is Rotator Cuff Repair Done With?

An arthroscope is a narrow camera inserted through a small opening in the shoulder. It sends a view to a monitor so the surgeon can inspect the tendon, joint surfaces, and surrounding tissues. Other small instruments can clear damaged tissue and prepare the tendon attachment area.

A suture anchor is placed in the upper arm bone near the tendon attachment. Strong sutures attached to the anchor are passed through the tendon and tied or secured to hold it against the bone while healing occurs. The number and type of anchors depend on the tear and repair plan.

Before surgery, ask how your tear will be repaired and whether the surgeon expects to use anchors. Arrange a sling, help with dressing and meals, and a safe sleeping setup. Follow instructions about medicines and fasting, and attend physiotherapy when the team says shoulder movement is ready.

Call the surgical team for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, uncontrolled pain, or new numbness or weakness in the hand. Emergency help is needed for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or a rapidly worsening allergic reaction.

Where is my tear, and how will the anchor and sutures hold it? How long will I use the sling? When can I begin assisted movement, driving, work, and strengthening? Which pain or wound changes should I report?