Your rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and tendons, and connects your shoulder blade and your arm. If your rotator cuff is torn or impinged then your shoulder may feel less mobile, or even painful.
Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, steroid injections or local anaesthetic injections can help you manage the pain, and physiotherapy can help. But if the tear is large, you may need rotator cuff surgery to able to use your shoulder normally again.
During your operation, which will use some form of anaesthetic and usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, your surgeon will release any impingement, usually by keyhole surgery. This involves shaving off some bone and removing thickened tissue. Further repairs to the rotator cuff might require open surgery, where your rotator cuff is reattached to the bone using stitches.
You’ll normally be able to go home after one day, and you’ll need any stitches and clips removed by our medical staff after a week. Regular exercise will help you recover as quickly as possible, but do check with your doctor first.
Your shoulder should return to normal within a year, though it might take longer to regain full strength. Please be aware that your symptoms may return.
This page contains information about a type of shoulder surgery known as rotator cuff surgery. Your consultant can give further guidance, if necessary.
References:
EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
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