Rotator Cuff Surgery
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. An injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear, may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand or develop over time due to repetitive activities. Rotator cuff tears are also due to aging.
Rotator cuff tear symptoms may include:
- Recurrent pain, especially with certain activities and at night
- Pain that prevents sleeping on the injured side
- Grating or cracking sounds when moving the arm
- Limited ability to move arm
- Muscle weakness
Medical treatments for rotator cuff injury may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Steroid injections
If medical treatments are not satisfactory, rotator cuff repair surgery may be an effective treatment. Rotator cuff surgery may be performed using an arthroscope — a small, tube-shaped instrument that is inserted into a joint. The goal of rotator cuff repair surgery is to help restore the function and flexibility of the shoulder and to relieve the pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments.