Rotator cuff repair

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Reasons rotator cuff repair may be done include:

• You have shoulder pain when you rest or at night, and it has not improved with exercises over 6 - 12 months.
• You have a large or complete rotator cuff tear.
• You are active and use your shoulder for sports or work.
• You have a lot of weakness and are unable to do everyday activities.

Surgery is a good choice in a person whose tear was caused by a recent injury. It is also a good choice when the tendons of the rotator cuff were not already frayed from chronic rotator cuff problems.

Some patients with a partial tear may choose not to have surgery, using rest and exercise instead. The best candidates for this approach are those who have only a partial tear and do not place a lot of demand on their shoulder.

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• Shoulder pain will improve with this approach.
• However, any weakness will not improve, the tear become larger over time, and you may be limited in the sports or other act ivies you can do.

Recovery can take anywhere from 3 - 6 months, depending on the size of the tear and other factors. You may have to wear a sling for 4 - 6 weeks after surgery. Pain is usually managed with medications.

You will be wearing a sling when you leave the hospital. Some patients also wear a shoulder immobilizer. This keeps your shoulder from moving. How long you wear the sling or immobilizer will depend on the type of surgery you had.

Physical therapy may help you to regain the motion and strength of your shoulder. The length of therapy will depend on the repair that was performed.

See also:

• Shoulder surgery - discharge
• Using your shoulder after surgery

Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff is usually very successful at relieving pain in the shoulder. The procedure may not always return strength to the shoulder. Rotator cuff repair can require a long recovery period, especially if the tear was large.

When you can return to work or play sports will depend on the surgery that was performed, but it will usually take several months to resume your regular activities.

Some rotator cuff tears may not fully heal. Stiffness, weakness, and chronic pain may still be present.

These poorer results are more likely when the following are present:

• The rotator cuff was already frayed or weak before the injury.
• Larger tears
• After-surgery exercise and instructions are not followed
• Older patients (over age 65)
• Smoking

Review Date: 06/30/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).