Why is this procedure done?
The rotator cuff is both the muscles and tendons in your shoulder. It helps your shoulder move and be steady. Tendons are strong bands that connect muscles to bones. You may have a small tear or a full tear of the tendon or muscle. Both of these are a rotator cuff injury. You may have swelling and pain in your shoulder area. If this does not go away over time, you may need a rotator cuff repair. ‚
This procedure is done when: ‚
- The rotator cuff injury does not respond to rest and physical therapy.
- There is a full tear in the tendon.
- There is long-term pain and weakness from the partial tear in the tendon.
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What will the results be?
You will be able to move your shoulder without pain. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Your doctor will make a cut in the shoulder area. The size of the cut will depend on the type of procedure. You will have a larger cut for an open procedure. You will have a few smaller cuts if your surgery is done with a scope. You may have both of them.
- Your doctor will find the damaged tendons or muscles and then repair or replace them.
- Your doctor will close the cut with stitches or staples. A clean dressing will be put over the cut.
- The whole procedure will take from 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may go home the same day of your surgery.
- Full recovery may take from 3 to 6 months.
- You will wear a sling on the affected arm for 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. This will keep you from moving your shoulder too much.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Control muscle spasms
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Stiffness
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Be careful when doing activities like pitching or swimming. These can cause you to overuse your shoulder muscles.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Exercise often to strengthen all your muscles, including your shoulder.
- Wear proper padding and safety gear when playing sports or doing other activities.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00406 ‚
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation ‚
http://canorth.org/en/patienteducation/Default.aspx?pagename=Rotator%20Cuff%20Repair ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚