Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear can be treated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication, Physiotherapy or cortisone steroid injections. Surgery to repair the tear may be required if the weakness and pain is not improved with injections and physio, or if the tear follows an injury.

With arthroscopy, the cuff can be repaired with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

Surgery

With arthroscopy, the cuff can be repaired with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Scars and recovery period are minimal although physiotherapy may be required post surgery.

Surgery may be done arthroscopically or open, or a combination of the two, know as a Mini-repair.

Arthroscopic repair can be carried out in the lateral or beech-chair position, according to surgeon’s preference. The retracted tendon is mobilised. The footprint is prepared using the shaver and anchors are inserted appropriately.

Various techniques have been described including single row and double row repair, although these have shown no difference in outcome. There is an associated re-tear rate with this.

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