Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons in the shoulder which allow you to lift and/or rotate your arm
- An injury such as a fall may result in a tear in the rotator cuff
- More often, and especially in older patients, a tear can occur without injury
- This is at the extreme end of the spectrum of disorders sometimes referred to as “rotator cuff syndrome”
- Symptoms include pain and weakness in the arm, especially with elevation and rotation
- Surgery may be required if the tear is large or has not responded to a period of rest (in the case of a small tear)
- The operation is performed arthroscopically (“keyhole” or minimally invasive surgery) under general anaesthetic
- The procedure involves a repair of the torn tendon(s) using special sutures which are anchored to the underlying bone
- An arm sling is worn for comfort and protection afterwards (the protection phase)
- An essential component of a successful rotator cuff repair is rehabilitation, and physiotherapy is started as soon as the protection phase is complete
