Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair

What is Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?

Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery is the medical procedure to repair a torn rotator cuff by re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone).

Operation is performed through a set of keyholes around the shoulder joint. Torn tendons are re-attached to the head of humerus using sutures fixated by a set of anchors drilled into the humerus.

What happens after the surgery?

Following the surgery, patients are provided with an exercise and rehabilitation plan by the physical therapist in order to regain muscle strength and joint motion. 

Risks of Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?

Only a small percentage of the patients experience complications follwing the surgery. These complications can include the following:

• nerve injury
• infection at the site of the surgery
• deltoid detachment
• stiffness
• tendon re-tear

The aim of this article is to give you a general information about the surgical intervention in question. You need to make more research about possible complications and risks of this selected procedure in order to make an informed decision. Please note that complications occur more frequently with patients who are obese, smoke, and have a history or lung or other chronic underlying medical conditions.

Smokers are recognized to have a significantly higher risk of post operative wound healing problems with a subsequently higher potential of infection as well as operative and post operative bleeding. Patients should discontinue smoking for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Although it helps to stop smoking before and after surgery, this does not completely eliminate the increased risks resulting from long term smoking. Smoking also has a long term adverse effect on the skin and ageing process.