Rotator Cuff Surgery

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Dr. Haci Kutlu, on Mar 30, 2024

Since the possibility of healing without any severe medical procedure like shoulder surgery is high, numerous patients are discouraged from rotator cuff surgery. In any case, the decision is on the approval of the patient’s doctor. The rotator cuff tear procedure will be a highly possible remedy if the exercises do not work out for the injury and shoulder pain.

A couple of preparations are needed for the rotator cuff surgery. Your medical team should be informed about your medical history, such as your conditions and medications because some of them, such as aspirin, may influence the outcome of your shoulder surgery. Quitting smoking and drinking before is also recommended. Besides, you will be requested to fast for a few hours before your surgery.

Rotator cuff surgery has three different methods based on the extent of the injury and the experience of the specialist directing it – some incline toward open shoulder procedure, whereas others put accentuation on shoulder arthroscopy.

• Open Shoulder Surgery – specialists get to the activity site through a big cut in one's shoulder. Unaffected muscles are passed by, and specialists continue to reattach torn rotator cuff tendons.

• Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery – specialists make a couple of little cuts, through which an arthroscope supplied with a camera along with medicinal apparatuses are entered. A shorter recovery period and lesser amounts of pain are assured by an arthroscopic rotator cuff fix.

• Mini-open Repair – merging of benefits of both open and arthroscopy methods. Initially, arthroscopy is done to extract or fix issues, and afterward, an average-sized cut is made so as to complete the shoulder treatment.

The recovery phase of rotator cuff surgery is not a complex one. At first, you will be requested to use a sling for around 4-6 weeks. Then, you should do rotator cuff fix exercises as a physical therapy suggested by your medical team. It is usual for you to feel shoulder pain after your surgery. However, it ought to be controllable with the medicines given by your specialist.

As rotator cuff injury treatment with a shoulder operation is relatively basic, it may result in a few complications, involving bleeding and nerve damage. Moreover, infection is a risk that may be minimalized via arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

No consensus was found among specialists on the success rate of rotator cut surgeries. Some assert that torn rotator cuff operation is effective in as much as 90%, while others appraise that the success rate is just 50%.

FAQ

Rotator Cuff – What is it? 

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons connected to one's shoulder and allowing for its accurate movement. 

How many trips do I need to take abroad to complete the procedure? 

You will need 1 trip abroad to complete the whole procedure and follow up with your local doctor. 

How long should you stay in the hospital after the surgery? 

You may spend one night in the hospital after the procedure to monitor your status. 

Rotator Cuff Surgery – Is it necessary? 

No, in many cases rotator cuff pain or even rotator cuff tear may turn out to be better with time, without medical intervention. Just a completely torn rotator cuff or atypical shoulder tendonitis may necessitate shoulder surgery. 

Shoulder Surgery – Which type is the best? 

It is hard to tell. In some cases, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is better, while for others rotator cuff injury should be dealt with open shoulder surgery.