Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). A partial tear, however, may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. A complete tear within the thickest part of the tendon is repaired by stitching the two sides back together.
Your orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery for a torn rotator cuff if your pain does not improve with nonsurgical methods. Continued pain is the main indication for rotator cuff tear surgery. If you are very active and use your arms for overhead work or sports, your doctor may also suggest surgery.
Nerve injury
Infection
Deltoid detachment
Stiffness
Tendon re-tear
Open Repair
All-Arthroscopic Repair
Mini-Open Repair
Rehabilitation plays a vital role in getting you back to your daily activities. A physical therapy program will help you regain shoulder strength and motion.
Each surgical repair technique (open, mini-open, and arthroscopic) has similar results in terms of pain relief, improvement in strength and function, and patient satisfaction. Surgeon expertise is more important in achieving satisfactory results than the choice of technique.