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Rotator Cuff Tear Repair

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about rotator cuff tear repair:

Rotator cuff repair is surgery to fix a tear in one or more of your rotator cuff tendons. A tendon is a cord of tough tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. The rotator cuff is made up of a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place.

Torn Rotator Cuff

How to prepare for surgery:

What will happen during surgery:

The tear can be repaired in several ways. Your surgeon will talk to you about the different kinds of surgery. He or she will tell you the kind that is best for you. This will mainly depend on the kind of tear you have and if it is severe.

What to expect after surgery:

Risks of rotator cuff surgery:

You may get an infection from this surgery or bleed more than expected. You may have nerve damage. If you had an open repair, the muscle that was detached at the beginning may not reattach correctly. Rotator cuff surgery may cause muscles in your shoulder to become weak. This can decrease your ability to use your shoulder. Your tendon may not heal, and your arm and shoulder may be weak and painful. If a graft was used for your repair, you may have swelling and get an infection around the graft. After surgery, tissue around the joint can swell and become stiff. This can cause new pain and problems with moving your arm. The anchor used to fix your tear may press on the tendon and cause pain. Your tendon may tear after surgery. You may need to have surgery again if the new tear causes pain or movement problems.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Seek care immediately if:

Call your surgeon or orthopedist if:

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Care for your incision area:

Keep the area clean and dry. Cover it with plastic before you take a shower. Do not take a bath or swim until your surgeon tells you it is okay. Check the area every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, red streaks, or pus. A fever may also be a sign of infection.

Ask about activity:

Your surgeon will tell you when it is okay to use your shoulder and arm. Until then, do not use your arm to lift anything. Do not use your arm to move around, push yourself up from lying down, or to change positions. Your surgeon will tell you when it is okay to drive, go back to work, and do your daily activities.

Apply ice to your shoulder:

Ice may decrease pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on your shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Ice may be helpful for 10 to 14 days after surgery.

Use a sling as directed:

You may need to use an abduction immobilizer sling for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. The amount of time will depend on how severe your tear was. The sling will prevent arm movement while the tendon heals. A pillow attached to the sling holds your arm away from your body. This position decreases pressure on your wound, and helps blood flow to the surgery area. Your healthcare provider will tell you how long to use the sling each day.

Go to physical therapy for as long as directed:

Physical therapy is done in stages. Each stage helps increase motion or strength, and helps relieve or prevent stiffness. Your surgeon and physical therapist will create a plan for your therapy. The plan will be based on your age, health, and recovery goals. The following are general guidelines:

Follow up with your surgeon or orthopedist as directed:

Ask when you should return to have your stitches taken out. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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