A rotator cuff tear can make everyday movements painful and limit your shoulder function. Dr. Seth Grossman, our board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, offers rotator cuff repair to restore strength, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Using advanced, patient-first care, he recommends surgery only when conservative treatments are no longer effective.
Rebuild Shoulder Strength and Stability
Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure that reattaches a torn rotator cuff tendon to the upper arm bone. The goal is to restore shoulder stability, reduce pain, and improve overall shoulder strength and range of motion. Depending on the size and location of the tear, the procedure may be performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques or an open approach. Rotator cuff repair is often recommended when non-surgical treatments no longer provide lasting relief.
What Does Rotator Cuff Repair Treat?
Rotator cuff repair is performed to address injuries and conditions that damage the tendons responsible for shoulder stability and movement. When conservative treatments no longer relieve pain or restore function, surgery may help repair the damaged tissue and improve shoulder performance. Rotator cuff repair may be recommended for:
- Full-thickness rotator cuff tears
- Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears
- Acute traumatic tendon tears
- Chronic degenerative tendon tears
- Persistent shoulder pain caused by tendon damage
- Shoulder weakness that limits daily activities
- Loss of shoulder mobility due to a torn rotator cuff
- Tendon injuries that have not improved with non-surgical treatment
What Happens During Rotator Cuff Repair?
Rotator cuff repair is typically performed under general anesthesia. Before the procedure, Dr. Grossman will review your imaging studies and surgical plan. In many cases, he uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, which involve making several small incisions around the shoulder. A tiny camera and specialized instruments are inserted through these openings, allowing him to clearly visualize the damaged tendon and surrounding structures.
During the procedure, Dr. Grossman carefully removes the damaged tissue, prepares the attachment site on the upper arm bone, and reattaches the torn tendon using sutures and anchors. If additional issues such as bone spurs or inflamed tissue are present, they may be addressed at the same time. Once the repair is complete, the incisions are closed, and your shoulder is placed in a protective sling.
Benefits of Rotator Cuff Repair:
- Relieves chronic shoulder pain
- Restores shoulder strength and stability
- Improves range of motion
- Helps you return to daily activities with greater comfort
- Supports improved shoulder function for work and recreation
- Reduces shoulder weakness caused by tendon tears
- Prevents further tendon damage in appropriate cases
FAQs
When Can I Return to Work or Sports?
Your timeline depends on the physical demands of your job or sport. Individuals with desk jobs may return within a few weeks, while those with physically demanding occupations or overhead athletic activities typically require several months of rehabilitation. Your surgeon will guide you through each stage of your return to normal activities to help reduce the risk of reinjury.
Will I Need Physical Therapy After Surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy is an essential part of recovery. Your rehabilitation program is structured to protect the repaired tendon while restoring flexibility, strength, and shoulder function. Following your therapy plan can have a significant impact on your long-term outcome.
Can a Torn Rotator Cuff Heal Without Surgery?
Some partial tears and mild injuries may improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, or injections. However, complete tears and injuries that continue to cause pain or loss of function often require surgical repair because tendons generally do not reattach to the bone on their own.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon known for his patient-first approach and expertise in advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques. Serving patients throughout New Jersey, he carefully evaluates every shoulder injury and recommends surgery only when conservative treatments are no longer appropriate. If shoulder pain or a rotator cuff tear is limiting your daily life, schedule your consultation with Dr. Grossman today.
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