What Is Rotator Cuff Repair?

The rotator cuff is a structure of tendons and muscles that holds the shoulder in place and allows lifting of the arm and reaching up. Injury to the rotator cuff may result in surgical repair.

Purpose

• Rotator cuff repair surgery is performed to help relieve pain not controlled by other treatments, as well as to restore the flexibility and function to the shoulder.

Causes

• Rotator cuff repair can be required as the result of a tear or injury due to a fall, repetitive activities or degeneration due to aging.

Symptoms

• Damage to the rotator cuff can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, frequent pain due to inflammation and limited ability to move the arm.

Procedures

• When rotator cuff repair is needed, surgical techniques can include a shoulder arthroscopy (a small button-sized incision made for a small camera used for viewing and guiding surgery), open surgery or a combination of both.

Risks

• Repair surgery to the rotator cuff can include risks such as nerve damage, damage to blood vessels, bleeding, infection, shoulder weakness and shoulder stiffness.