Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Wayne & Paramus, NJ

Arthroscopic procedure to treat rotator cuff injuries and tears.

Shoulder arthroscopy involves introducing a small camera and instruments into the shoulder joint through a series of small incisions to examine different parts of the shoulder. This may oftentimes be both therapeutic and diagnostic. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to visualize the labrum, biceps tendon, capsular ligaments, undersurface and superior surface of the rotator cuff, the glenoid, humeral head, and subacromial space. Debridement and repair of injured structures can be done when necessary through the small portals made in the shoulder. The overall goal is to restore normal function and stability while eliminating pain.

Rotator cuff repairs involve returning the torn tendon to its native location with the use of anchors placed in the bone and sutures drawn through the torn end of the tendon. For the first six weeks after surgery, you will have to rest your shoulder in a sling with very limited shoulder motion. The tendon will take about six weeks to heal down to the bone. Once the six weeks has passed, the patient may begin gentle range of motion exercises with formal physical but must wait three months before it is safe to do any kind of resistance or strengthening exercises. The entire recovery process takes anywhere from six months to one year after surgery.