Is rotator cuff surgery considered major surgery?

It is well known that rotator cuff surgery is a major operation where the rotator cuff tendons (Figure 1) are sewn back to the upper arm bone (humerus) (Figures 2 and 3). The other major reason patients have pain after rotator cuff surgery is due to stiffness of that shoulder.

How urgent is rotator cuff surgery?

Urgent rotator cuff repair should be considered when acute weakness occurs after a shoulder injury, provided that shoulder ultrasound or MRI document a repairable cuff tear.

What can go wrong after rotator cuff surgery?

Possible surgical complications include: In general, surgery involving anesthesia, which includes rotator cuff surgery, poses a slight risk of stroke, heart attack, pneumonia, or blood clot. Damage to adjacent nerves and blood vessels.

Do you stay overnight for rotator cuff surgery?

Most patients will not require a hospital stay after an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedure. Generally, a person must spend an hour or two in the recovery room until the anesthetic medication has worn off.

What does it mean to have rotator cuff surgery?

The rotator cuff is a term for a group of four tendons in the shoulder. They connect the muscles of the shoulder blade to the top of the arm bone. As well as helping to keep the shoulder in its socket, the rotator cuff also allows the shoulder joint to have a wide range of movement.

What should I do if my rotator cuff is injured?

If your rotator cuff is injured, you may need to repair it surgically. This may include shaving off bone spurs that are pinching the shoulder, or repairing torn tendons or muscles in the shoulder.

What to expect after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair?

Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair still require a limited period in a sling (usually 4 to 6 weeks) with some simple range-of-motion exercises at home. They will require fairly intensive outpatient physical therapy for re-establishing pain-free motion and strengthening the shoulder muscles for a few months.

What kind of Doctor does rotator cuff repair?

Rotator cuff repair, particularly when done through the arthroscope is a technically demanding procedure that must be performed by an experienced, specially trained shoulder surgeon in a medical center accustomed to performing complex arthroscopic shoulder procedures on a weekly basis.

How is arthroscopic surgery used to treat rotator cuff tears?

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery, or shoulder arthroscopy, is a valuable tool to treat rotator cuff tears. Using the scope, an experienced surgeon who is facile with arthroscopic techniques can evaluate the entire shoulder joint and can usually fix the tear through very small incisions using specially-designed instruments and devices.

Is it necessary to have surgery on rotator cuff?

But surgery can’t fully reverse problems that occur over time with wear and tear of the rotator cuff. Whether you choose surgery or other treatment, you will need rehabilitation and physical therapy. What is the rotator cuff? The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and muscles in the shoulder.

When to see a doctor about a rotator cuff tear?

Your doctor may recommend rotator cuff surgery if: You are young and your tendon tissue is strong and healthy. There is a good chance that your tear will get worse over time. You had a forceful injury to your shoulder, such as during an activity or car accident. You have severe shoulder pain or weakness.