Shoulder | Rotator Cuff Tear Repair
Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain, weakness, and loss of function. Treatment may include physical therapy, medication, injections, or rotator cuff repair surgery, depending on the type of tear and your symptoms.
Dr. Aaron Schwartz works with patients to identify a rotator cuff tear repair treatment best suited for their injury and lifestyle. The FiberTak SpeedBridge is one of the advanced rotator cuff surgery techniques he performs to address this issue.
The FiberTak SpeedBridge system is among the next generation of advanced rotator cuff surgery techniques. This minimally invasive method gives Dr. Schwartz a larger surface area to stabilize and reconstruct the injured shoulder and utilizes state-of-the-art orthopedic technology to ensure a durable and efficient repair.
Dr. Schwartz recommends this video, shared courtesy of medical device company Arthrex, to help patients understand and prepare for this treatment option.
An OrthoIllustrated®
animation of rotator cuff repair using FiberTak SpeedBridge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder and help you lift and rotate your arm. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons partially or completely separates from the bone.
Tears can develop gradually from degeneration and repetitive use or occur suddenly from an injury. Common symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, difficulty reaching overhead, and pain at night.
No. Treatment depends on the size and location of the tear, the severity of symptoms, activity level, age, and overall shoulder function.
Many patients can improve with nonsurgical treatment, including physical therapy, activity modification, medications, and injections. Rotator cuff surgery may be recommended when symptoms persist despite nonsurgical treatment, there is significant weakness, or an acute injury results in a substantial tear.
Most rotator cuff repairs are performed using a minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery technique. Through several small incisions, the surgeon evaluates the shoulder and repairs the torn tendon by securing it back to the bone with specialized anchors and sutures.
Other shoulder problems identified during surgery may also be treated when appropriate, including biceps tendon problems, labral tears, bone spurs, or damaged cartilage.
Revision rotator cuff repair is surgery performed when a previous rotator cuff repair has failed or the tendon has subsequently torn again.
Revision surgery can be more complex than a first-time rotator cuff repair because the tendon and surrounding tissues may have scar tissue, altered anatomy, poor tissue quality, or bone changes from the previous surgery. Treatment depends on the size of the recurrent tear, tendon quality, muscle condition, previous surgical techniques, and the patient’s symptoms and goals.
Depending on the circumstances, revision treatment may include repeat rotator cuff repair, biceps treatment, tendon augmentation with a cadaver graft, or other reconstructive procedures. In some patients with an irreparable tear and significant shoulder dysfunction, reverse shoulder replacement may be considered.
Recovery is gradual because the repaired tendon needs time to heal back to the bone. Many patients use a sling for approximately 6 weeks, followed by progressive physical therapy to restore motion and strength.
Patients often return to many normal daily activities within several months, but recovery of strength can take 6–10 months or longer, particularly after larger or revision rotator cuff repairs.
The timing depends on the size of the tear, type of repair, occupation, and activity.
Patients with desk jobs may return to work relatively early, while jobs involving lifting, pushing, pulling, or overhead activity generally require a longer recovery. Return to recreational activities and sports is gradual and is typically based on tendon healing, shoulder motion, strength, and functional progress.
As with any surgery, rotator cuff repair has potential risks, including infection, bleeding, stiffness, nerve injury, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia.
The repaired tendon can also fail to heal or develop another tear. The risk of re-tear varies based on factors such as tear size, tendon and muscle quality, age, smoking, and the demands placed on the shoulder during recovery.
Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. A comprehensive orthopedic evaluation can help determine whether physical therapy, injections, rotator cuff repair, revision surgery, or another treatment is appropriate.
If you have a rotator cuff tear, recurrent shoulder pain after previous surgery, or weakness that is limiting your activities, an evaluation can help clarify your treatment options.