A torn rotator cuff limits the use of your shoulder and can impact your ability to use the rest of your arm. Minor tears may be treatable with physical therapy and medication. However, severe rotator cuff tears and tears that don’t respond to conservative treatments may need arthroscopic surgery for treatment.
What is arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery?
Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for repairing damaged rotator cuff tissue. The procedure involves the use of an arthroscopic camera, which is a tiny camera attached to the end of a tube.
This tube provides your surgeon with a visual of the operation area without requiring them to make large incisions to provide a direct visual. The procedure also makes use of tiny surgical instruments that fit through the small incision.
Typically, the goal of arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery is to repair damaged tissue in the shoulder. This is primarily done by reconnecting a torn tendon to the bone in the joint.
What are the benefits of arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery?
Repairing a torn rotator cuff with arthroscopic techniques is beneficial in many ways, including:
- Fewer risks — Large incisions in surgical procedures expose patients to a higher risk for infection and blood loss. Since arthroscopic techniques require tiny incisions no bigger than an inch or two, the risk for blood loss and infection is decreased.
- Less pain — The surgeon does not need to cut through tendons and muscles to access the operation area. This means that your recovery should be much less painful than it would be in open shoulder surgery.
- Less scarring — Since arthroscopic surgery requires only a few tiny incisions, there is less scarring on the surface of your skin after the procedure.
- Shorter recovery time — Smaller incisions and no cutting through muscles and tendons means you can recover quicker. This is important for people who need to regain the use of their shoulder for work and other activities.
Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute for rotator cuff surgery
Is your shoulder in pain and immobilized due to a rotator cuff injury? Our surgeons at the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute can help. Contact our team today for more information about rotator cuff surgery or to schedule an appointment.