Shoulder pain that makes it harder to reach overhead, sleep on one side, or lift everyday objects may come from a torn rotator cuff. While symptoms from some tears improve with nonsurgical care, others continue to cause pain, weakness, and loss of motion. Rotator cuff repair can reconnect a torn tendon to the upper arm bone, giving it a chance to heal and helping you regain shoulder function.
Union County Orthopaedic Group has provided orthopedic care to patients throughout Union County since 1966. Our team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeon Mina Abdelshahed, MD, who focuses on shoulder and elbow surgery and performs arthroscopic, complex, and revision rotator cuff repairs.
What Is Rotator Cuff Repair?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps stabilize the shoulder and allows you to raise and rotate your arm. A tear can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually as the tendon weakens with age and repeated use.
Rotator cuff repair is a surgery that reconnects torn tendon tissue to the upper arm bone. Many repairs are done arthroscopically, using a small camera and surgical instruments inserted through small incisions.
Rotator cuff repair is one of several treatments available as part of comprehensive shoulder care. Other surgical options may include labral repair and shoulder replacement when different types of joint damage cause symptoms.
When Is Rotator Cuff Repair Recommended?
Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. Physical therapy, activity changes, medications, or injections may help people with certain tears manage symptoms.
Surgery might be considered when you have:
- Persistent pain despite nonsurgical treatment
- Significant shoulder weakness or loss of function
- A larger or symptomatic full-thickness tear
- A tear caused by a recent injury
- Difficulty performing work, sports, or daily activities
Your orthopedic surgeon will consider the tear’s size and location, tendon quality, your activity level, and other health factors before recommending treatment.
What Happens During Rotator Cuff Repair?
During arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, a surgeon inserts a small camera into the shoulder to examine the damaged tissues. The surgeon then uses small instruments to prepare the tendon and its attachment site.
The surgeon typically secures the torn tendon back to the bone with sutures and small anchors. Some complex or revision tears may require a different surgical approach depending on the amount of damage and quality of the remaining tissue.
What Is Recovery Like After Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Healing takes time because the repaired tendon must form a strong attachment to the bone. You will commonly wear a sling during the early stage of recovery to protect the repair.
Physical therapy gradually progresses from protected motion to active movement and, later, strengthening as the repair heals. Complete recovery can take several months. Your timeline will depend on the tear, repair, overall health, and rehabilitation progress.
What Are the Benefits and Risks?
Rotator cuff repair may reduce pain, improve strength, and make it easier to use your arm for everyday activities. Results vary, particularly with very large tears or poor tendon quality.
Possible surgical risks include infection, stiffness, nerve injury, blood clots, anesthesia complications, and failure of the tendon to heal or a future re-tear. Your surgeon will review your individual risks before surgery.
Why Choose Union County Orthopaedic Group for Rotator Cuff Repair in Union County, NJ?
Union County Orthopaedic Group combines decades of community-based orthopedic care with physicians who focus on specific areas of the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Abdelshahed treats partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears and performs arthroscopic repairs, complex repairs, revision surgery, and other shoulder procedures. Patients can also access physical therapy through OrthoNJ locations in Union and Clark, keeping surgical care and rehabilitation closely connected. Same-day, early morning, and lunchtime appointments, plus free on-site parking, add convenience throughout treatment.
Get Back to Using Your Shoulder With Confidence
A rotator cuff tear does not always require surgery, but ongoing pain or weakness deserves a thorough evaluation. If repair is appropriate, the goal is to relieve symptoms, restore useful shoulder function, and help you return safely to everyday activities.
Request an orthopedic appointment with Union County Orthopaedic Group in Linden at (908) 486-1111, Clark at (732) 388-1761, or Union at (908) 486-4400.