Recovery Time & Orthopedic Standards for a Rotator Cuff Surgery
Rotator cuff surgeries are done to repair torn or damaged tissue in the shoulder. Depending on the severity of the injury, most patients are able to resume daily activities after several months.
Anatomy
The rotator cuff consists of the muscles and tendons that connect the humerus, or arm bone, to the shoulder. These tissues provide stability in the joint and allow for a large range of motion.
Injury
Rotator cuff injuries can vary from irritation or tendinitis to tearing of the muscles or tendons in the shoulder. These injuries can result from repetitive stress, trauma or normal wear and tear.
Arthroscope
Before the surgery, a doctor will use an arthroscope, a small camera, to check the condition of the shoulder. The camera will be inserted through a through a small hole the surgeon makes in the shoulder. Once the arthroscope is in place, the surgeon can fix damaged tissue or take out bone spurs.
Fixing A Tear
The surgery to fix a tear in the rotator cuff can be performed two ways. Surgeons can use the arthroscope and poke additional holes in the shoulder to allow instruments to reach the rotator cuff. Surgeons may also opt for an open repair, where a 1-inch to 4-inch incision is made.
Prognosis
Following the operation, the patient will have to wear a sling for one to six weeks. Physical therapy will be needed to regain strength and range of motion. However, surgery is usually very successful at fixing and relieving the pain of a rotator cuff injury. After about three to six months, most patients can return to normal activities.
Tags: Cuff Surgery, damaged tissue, most patients, muscles tendons, Orthopedic Standards