Rotator Cuff Surgery

Shoulder pain can make everyday activities like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping difficult. If you’ve been diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff or are experiencing persistent shoulder problems, you may be wondering if rotator cuff surgery is the right solution. 

At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, serving Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, our experienced team offers advanced treatments for shoulder injuries, including arthroscopic and open surgical options. If shoulder pain is limiting your motion or quality of life, contact our specialists today to schedule a consultation.

What is Rotator Cuff Surgery?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, stabilizing the humeral head (the top of the upper arm bone) and allowing smooth shoulder motion. A rotator cuff tear can result from an acute injury, repetitive stress, or bone spurs rubbing against the tendon tissue over time.

When nonsurgical treatments like rest, medications, and physical therapy don’t relieve symptoms, rotator cuff surgery may be necessary to repair a torn rotator cuff and restore shoulder function.

When Rotator Cuff Surgery is Recommended

Surgeons often recommend rotator cuff repair surgery for patients with:

  • A full-thickness tear or a massive tear in the rotator cuff tendon causes severe weakness.
  • Persistent shoulder pain and limited range of motion despite nonsurgical treatment.
  • Rotator cuff injuries caused by trauma.
  • Partial tears that worsen or fail to heal with rest and therapy.
 

Surgery may also be needed when the shoulder muscles begin to atrophy or when a cuff tear leads to shoulder arthritis, which sometimes requires a reverse shoulder replacement.

A woman at the doctor for a checkup after recovering from Rotator Cuff Surgery in Ohio.

How to Prepare for Rotator Cuff Surgery

Preparation begins several weeks before the surgical procedure. Your surgeon may recommend:

  • Stopping certain pain medications or blood thinners before surgery.
  • Attending preoperative appointments to review your medical history and imaging studies.
  • Arranging for someone to drive you home, as most surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis.
  • Setting up a recovery space with comfortable arm support and easy access to daily necessities.
 

You’ll also review your physical therapy program and postoperative instructions so you know what to expect after surgical repair.

What Happens During Rotator Cuff Surgery

The goal of rotator cuff repair is to reattach the torn tendon to the upper arm bone using sutures or anchors. Depending on the severity of the injury, several surgical techniques may be used:

  • Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A surgeon inserts a small camera through very small incisions, allowing precise arthroscopic repair with minimal tissue damage.
  • Mini-open repair: Combines shoulder arthroscopy with a small incision to directly access the tendon tissue.
  • Open tendon repair Is Used for large or massive tears, which require a larger incision for full visibility.
  • Tendon transfer or reverse shoulder replacement: May be necessary if the tendon tissue is too damaged for standard repair.
 

Each surgical technique aims to restore shoulder function, reduce pain, and help you regain a normal range of motion.

Possible Complications

While rotator cuff surgery is generally safe, risks can include:

  • Infection at the surgical incision site
  • Stiffness or reduced shoulder motion
  • Re-tear of the repaired tendon tissue
  • Reaction to anesthesia or pain medications
 

Working with an experienced surgical team, such as ours in Granville and Coshocton, OH, and following your postoperative care plan can help reduce these risks.

Recovery After Rotator Cuff Surgery

Recovery varies based on the size of the tear and the type of surgical repair performed. Most patients wear a sling for a few weeks to protect the shoulder joint as the muscles and tendons heal.

A guided physical therapy program begins gradually, focusing on restoring shoulder motion and rebuilding strength in the deltoid muscle and surrounding tissues. As healing progresses, patients regain shoulder function and can return to normal activities.

Complete recovery from arthroscopic tendon repair or mini open repair may take several months, while open tendon repair or reverse shoulder replacement can require a longer timeline.

Start Your Journey Toward Shoulder Relief

If you’re dealing with a torn rotator cuff, chronic shoulder pain, or reduced mobility, don’t wait to get help. Our specialists at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, are here to diagnose, treat, and guide you toward complete recovery through expert shoulder surgery and rehabilitation.

Contact our team today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your strength and comfort.

Medically reviewed by Eric Erb, MD