About 2 million Americans suffer a rotator cuff injury annually. If you’re in pain and have limited range of motion due to a tear or other rotator cuff injury, All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute can help. The team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons offers a range of rotator cuff treatments, including surgical rotator cuff repair, for lasting results. Call the Houston, Texas, office or use the online scheduler to book your consultation.

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Rotator Cuff Repair Q & A

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When do I need rotator cuff repair?

The All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute team may recommend rotator cuff repair surgery if you experience:

• Chronic symptoms for 6-12 months or more

• Serious shoulder pain, weakness, and function issues

• A large tendon tear, usually 3 centimeters or larger
   

You must have healthy tendon tissue that can respond well to repair.

The board-certified physicians don’t always recommend surgery right away. In most cases, they start with non-surgical approaches like physical therapy, medication, and injections. If you don’t get good results after trying these approaches, rotator cuff repair surgery could be the next step.

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How does rotator cuff repair surgery work?

During rotator cuff repair surgery, your shoulder specialist first removes tissue fragments and other debris from your shoulder joint. Then, they stitch the torn tissue together and reattach the tendon to your arm bone.

In most cases, your shoulder surgeon uses arthroscopic methods that involve tiny incisions. With arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, your surgeon inserts a miniature camera through one incision, then places slim surgical tools through the other incisions. They view your shoulder joint on a bedside monitor as they work. 

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a highly advanced minimally invasive approach with reduced bleeding, less pain, and easier recovery. But if you have a complicated tendon tear, extra large tear, or need a tendon transfer, you may need open surgery with a single larger incision.

If you have bone spurs, osteoarthritis joint damage, or other shoulder joint issues, your surgeon may perform additional repairs during your surgery. 

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How can I more quickly recover from rotator cuff repair surgery?

Follow the All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute team’s guidance closely to regain normal shoulder function as quickly as possible. You’ll typically wear a sling for 4-6 weeks. This immobilizes your shoulder to allow the repaired tendon to heal. 

For the initial post-surgery pain, use ice packs, prescribed medication, and over-the-counter medication as directed by your surgeon.

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Physical therapy can help you recover more quickly. You’ll start with passive movements and build up to active exercises as your tendon heals. 

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If you follow your doctor’s recovery protocols closely, you can expect excellent results. At least 90% of rotator cuff repair patients have great results by the six-month post-surgery mark. 

If you’re struggling through frequent shoulder pain and feel afraid to move your arm, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from the rotator cuff repair experts at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute. Call or make an appointment online today