Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Repair


Learning about the rotator cuff

The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles and their tendons: 

  • Supraspinatus
  • Infraspinatus
  • Teres minor
  • Subscapularis
Shows muscles of shoulder from the front and back

    The function of the rotator cuff is to hold the humeral head (top of upper arm bone) in place and to rotate and raise up the shoulder. All 4 muscles start on the scapula (shoulder blade) and attach to the humeral head, creating the “cuff.”
     

    Rotator cuff injury

    The supraspinatus, the “top” rotator cuff muscle, is most commonly injured, followed by the infraspinatus. 

    Chronic rotator cuff tears are most common. They usually happen over time and more age related. They can be caused by overuse or doing the same motion over and over, such as throwing. This can be related to impingement, which is when the tendon is squeezed and rubs against a bone. 

    Acute cuff tears are caused by trauma or a fall onto an outstretched hand. These often need surgery quickly after the injury because the tendon can become unable to be repaired.

    Injury Levels

    • Small: 1 cm or less
    • Medium: 1 to 3 cm
    • Large: 3 to 5 cm
    • Massive: 5 cm or larger
    Shows anatomy of rotator cuff with a complete tear in the tendon
    Complete Tear of Rotator Cuff Tendon

    Treatment without Surgery 

    Many chronic tears can be treated without surgery. Physical therapy, making changes to your activities, and taking medicine to help with inflammation are used to help control pain and restore normal use of your arm. 

    Treatment with surgery

    If surgery is needed, it is usually done using a small camera and tools to repair the tear through small holes (arthroscopic). Rotator cuff repairs are often done along with removing a small area of bone make more space for the tendon to help with impingement (called subacromial decompression). With all types of rotator cuff repairs, the torn tendon is reattached to the upper arm bone (humerus) using surgical anchors.  

    Shows anchors used to repair torn rotator cuff
    Anchors Used to Repair Rotator Cuff

    Recovery and physical therapy

    • Surgery will relieve pain, help increase muscle strength, improve range of motion, and allow for a return to normal activity. 
    • You will wear a sling for up to 6 weeks after surgery. The amount of time in the sling is set by your surgeon. 
    • Physical therapy typically starts between 2 to 6 weeks after surgery, depending on what your surgeon decides, the size of the tear and other factors. 
    • For the first 12 weeks after surgery, you will need to avoid pushing, pulling, lifting and other forceful motions. 
    • Full recovery can take up to 1 year, depending on the size of tear and how well you are following your physical therapy and movement limits. 
       

    © 2021 - January 22, 2021, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

    This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.