Rotator Cuff Surgery

About This Treatment

While you may be able to manage a rotator cuff injury without surgery, a torn tendon usually won't heal on its own. When you need rotator cuff repair, the shoulder specialists at Franciscan Health offer traditional and minimally invasive rotator cuff repair surgery to get you back in the game.

Types of rotator cuff surgery

Open rotator cuff surgery requires an incision several centimeters long if the tear is large or complex. This allows clear access to the shoulder and rotator cuff tendons.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon accesses the shoulder and tendons through small incisions and uses a tiny camera and instruments to make the repairs. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery usually results in less pain and faster recovery.

Recovery time for rotator cuff surgery will vary depending on your condition. Full recovery may take up to six months. You may wear a sling or an immobilizer to prevent arm movement for four to six weeks after surgery. You may also have physical therapy at Franciscan Health to ensure you recover a full range of motion.

Nonsurgical rotator cuff treatment

Not all rotator cuff injuries will require surgery. Your doctor may recommend a combination of the following conservative therapies to help your injury heal:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Rest and activity modification
• Steroid injections
• Strengthening exercises

Rotator cuff injury causes

The rotator cuff muscles and tendons hold the shoulder in place, making it possible to lift your arm and to reach up. Injury can result from a fall onto your outstretched arm or from repetitive motion, like pitching a ball. You may also experience degeneration and tears as you age.

Rotator cuff injury diagnosis

To diagnose your injury and determine your best treatment option, Franciscan Health shoulder surgeons will do a thorough physical exam that may include MRI and X-ray imaging procedures.