The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons help to keep the humerus (upper arm bone) in the glenoid fossa (socket of the shoulder), and they allow you to raise and rotate your arm. A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one or more of the tendons in the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tears can be caused by a sudden injury, such as a fall on an outstretched arm, or they can be caused by overuse or repetitive motion. Rotator cuff tears can cause pain, weakness, and stiffness in the shoulder. In some cases, a rotator cuff tear can make it difficult to raise your arm above your head or to reach behind your back.

If you have a rotator cuff tear, surgery can be performed to repair the tear. Rotator cuff repair surgery is usually performed arthroscopically, which means that it is done through small incisions in the shoulder in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. During surgery, we use a camera and small instruments to view the inside of the shoulder. We then repair the tear by suturing the tendon back to the bone.

Rotator cuff repair surgery is usually successful in relieving pain and restoring function to the shoulder. However, there is a risk of complications, such as infection, stiffness, and arthritis. If you are considering rotator cuff repair surgery, talk to us about the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Here are some things to expect after rotator cuff repair surgery:

• You will need to wear a sling or brace on your arm for several weeks after surgery.

• You will need to avoid putting weight on your arm for several weeks after surgery.

• You will need to participate in physical therapy to regain full range of motion and strength in your shoulder.

The recovery time for rotator cuff repair surgery varies from person to person. However, most people are able to return to their normal activities within 6 to 12 months after surgery.

With proper care and rehabilitation, most people are able to make a full recovery from rotator cuff repair surgery.