Rotator Cuff Repair, Orthopedic Surgery:

The rotator cuff is the bunch of muscle and tendons that strengthen the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. These muscles help to keep the joint intact. But due to frequent overhead motions for a longer period, the rotator cuffs are ruptured. The person feels the pain in the shoulder. If not attended well, the condition becomes even worse and the person loses the flexibility and strength of the shoulder. In the case of rotator cuff injury, it must be treated timely because it only worsens with growing age. Sometimes, the rotator cuffs may rupture due to some jerk, so in this case, an immediate consultation is compulsory. In this article, we will answer some of your confusions.

Who needs a rotator cuff repair?

• If the rotator cuff is ruptured. Rotator cuff injury is commonly observed in sportsmen. Due to hectic weight lifting activities or some intense shock during the games, their rotator cuff is torn. In this case, they need immediate consultation resulting in Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery.
• If an individual does not feel any movement in the shoulder then he needs the rotator cuff repair immediately.
• In case an individual had an accident recently then he must move to his consultant and must not hesitate from rotator cuff repair surgery if recommended.
• If an individual is feeling it extremely painful to move his shoulder and the shoulder is swollen, then he must consult his doctor. These are the common symptoms of Rotator Cuff injury and go for repair if needed.

How Rotator Cuff is repaired?

The rotator cuff is repaired by two means,

• Open Incision Surgery
• Keyhole surgery

Open Incision Surgery:

In some cases, the surgeon gives an open invitation on the shoulder and repairs the Rotator Cuff.

Keyhole Surgery:

In keyhole surgery, a small cut is made on the shoulder. A flexible tube mounted with the camera (known as Arthroscope) is entered into that cut and then your Rotator Cuff is repaired this method is also known as Arthroscopy.

What are the Risks Involved in the Rotator Cuff Repair?

Like most of the surgeries, there’s some risk associated with Rotator Cuff repair too.

Here are some of them,

• The patient may face a nerve injury during the procedure.
• During the surgery, other muscles or tendons may get ruptured because of the shear of the instruments.
• The muscle may be broken or separated.

What is the Recovery Process of this procedure?

Following things must be kept in the notice for faster recovery,

• Medication: In the beginning, the individual and face some pain. So proper medication is recommended to control the pain. The individual must follow the description strictly.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy will play a crucial in the recovery of the patient. So it is highly suggested.
• Immobilization: The patient will not be able to move the shoulder properly. So, there’s nothing to worry about. It will take almost a month for the shoulder to be properly mobilized.

How much time will this whole recovery procedure take?

It will take about 2 months to completely recover after the rotator cuff repair.