Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff repair reattaches a torn shoulder tendon to bone so it can heal and contribute to shoulder movement.

The surgeon may use an arthroscope through small openings to inspect the joint, remove irritated tissue, and place sutures through an anchor. Some tears need additional work, such as treating a biceps tendon or smoothing damaged surfaces. The plan depends on tear size, tissue quality, symptoms, and function.

Recovery starts with sling protection and hand, wrist, and elbow movement while the repair is protected. Guided shoulder movement is introduced at the appropriate stage, followed by active motion and strengthening. Sleep, dressing, bathing, driving, work, and sport may each need temporary changes, and rehabilitation requires steady practice.

No procedure can remove every risk, and an individual frequency cannot be predicted from a general page. Problems can include infection, bleeding, stiffness, nerve irritation, anchor or suture problems, ongoing pain, or the tendon failing to heal fully. Worsening redness, drainage, fever, new weakness, or severe pain deserves prompt clinical advice.

Repair aims to reduce pain and improve strength and function, but the result depends on tendon healing, muscle condition, tear pattern, rehabilitation, and later loading. Improvement is gradual. A repaired tendon can be injured again, so the long-term plan includes technique, conditioning, and sensible limits on heavy or repetitive activity.

Repair is most useful when the tendon can be brought back to its attachment and the symptoms match the tear. MRI can help show tendon quality and muscle changes before treatment. A suture anchor holds the repair against bone while healing begins.

It may be offered when a painful tear causes weakness or loss of function and non-surgical care has not provided enough improvement, especially after an injury or when activities depend on shoulder strength. The specialist combines examination with imaging; Shoulder Weakness can be one symptom discussed, but weakness alone does not establish a tear.

The team confirms the tear, reviews medicines and health conditions, and plans postoperative support. During surgery, the joint and tendon are inspected, damaged tissue is prepared, and sutures are passed through the tendon and fixed to bone with anchors. The shoulder is dressed and placed in protection before the recovery plan begins.

The protection phase prioritises tendon healing rather than forceful movement. Mobility work then expands under guidance, followed by strengthening once the repair can tolerate load. Progress is checked through movement, pain, and function; return to overhead work or sport should wait for clinician clearance.

Stiffness, infection, bleeding, nerve symptoms, persistent pain, and incomplete tendon healing are recognised concerns. Anaesthesia also has individual risks. Do not push through a sudden change in pain or strength. Contact the care team for wound concerns, fever, increasing swelling, or new numbness.

Depending on the tear and goals, alternatives can include activity modification, physiotherapy, pain medicines, injections, or treatment aimed at a different pain source. Imaging may refine the choice. Post-Operative Rehabilitation is relevant after repair, while some people need a non-operative plan instead.

Seek an orthopaedic shoulder surgeon who regularly assesses tendon tears and can explain the repair method, expected protection period, rehabilitation access, and alternatives. Bring details about the injury, work, sport, sleep, and the movements that cause weakness or pain.