Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

The rotator cuff is a large group of tendons and muscles that support and stabilize the shoulder joint. Small tears of the rotator cuff are associated with spurs in the joint due to chronic inflammation. Larger rotator cuff tears are associated with impingement (pinching), smaller rotator cuff tears, heavy lifting, or accidental falls.

In order to evaluate, diagnose, and repair these injuries, an arthroscopic (through a scope) procedure is used. This procedure is usually done on an out-patient basis.

To repair a rotator cuff, anchored sutures from the humerus (upper arm bone) create a pulley-drawn sheath of tendon to cover the tear and to stabilize the shoulder joint. This takes approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If only a decompression maneuver is done to relieve impingement, the procedure may take only 45 minutes.

Following surgery, you can expect:

• Pain gradually resolving
• Swelling and stiffness
• Drainage up to one week if rotator cuff was repaired
• Physical therapy focused on passive then active range-of-motion exercises
• Temperature up to 101 degrees the first week
• If the rotator cuff is not repaired, home exercises begin immediately after surgery
• If the rotator cuff is repaired, the sling is worn for the first two or three weeks with no range-of-motion exercises
• Stitches will be removed in approximately seven to 10 days if the rotator cuff is repaired.

It may take six months to regain adequate shoulder strength and full range-of-motion. While you are recovering, do not lift anything until you have been cleared to do so by your doctor. Avoid activities that make your shoulder hurt. You will not be able to drive for between a week and three weeks, depending on the type of repair you have had done.